Bricks and Mortar (1932) is about the working and domestic life of a London architect from the 1890s to the early 1930s, and is fascinating for its commentary on changing tastes in architecture during this period. Martin would prefer to spend his precious holidays in places like Bruges and Rome, and cannot reconcile himself to his first family break in Worthing with the band, the crowds, the pier, and the bright little turreted rented villa. Holidays in Bournemouth, Littlestone, Broadstairs ,and finally fashionable Felixstowe and its now Grade II listed with its ornamental gardens follow before Martin protests at his critical mother-in-law's plans for his family's holidays and escapes to Europe, first on his own and later with his daughter.