Does anyone know what color bricks would have been used in the Normandy area around 1920. Would they be red, brown or even yellow. I'm trying to replicate a freight station and need something to go on. Would hate to have the wrong color by the time I'm done. I know that the temp. and firing time will distort the color to some degree, but really need the base color to start. I had them painted red but as the photos I have are black and white, I'm not sure. Anyone from the are know for sure?

I've poked through a few pages of Google and the few I've found seem to be red (more pink than orange, if you see what I mean). But the use of brick depends on fashion, cost, and which clay beds are currently in use; plus, of course, "in use" implies for new buildings whereas the great bulk of buildings would date from all times before that. And that's before we get on to what shape of brick, what bond to use, whether they'd be rendered or painted ...

To be honest you may find it easiest to locate a specific building for inspiration. So long as it's definitely in Normandy, you can't be wrong!

Hi

Jim Rae posted some images of Normandy Architecture on this site a while ago which may give you some ideas.

Alternatively Google Normandy Houses and such and you'll get a wealth of photographs. Many will be related to Estate Agents as we call them in the UK. These are people selling houses on behalf of owners like Real Estate agents in the US as over the last few decades its been popular for the home owning Brits to buy property in France. These are usually run down, untouched old Farm houses, buildings etc. which require total renovation, so their brick work etc will remain orginal. Even when restored a good restorer will build "in keeping" and use the same brick if possible.

Whilst there is of course many new properties built in Normandy it will still have a huge amount of property still in use which dates back to 1920 and beyond and as such can be used without worry as colour reference.

Hope it helps.

Here is the link to JR photos

https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/2299

Alan

Thanks Sean, Saved my butt as I was going to repaint then more like the brown/orange. Got lucky this time. Sorry for the delay in responding, problems with this computer.