In another aspect, the invention includes the aforesaid texturing apparatus wherein the means for deforming the edges of the bricks comprises at least one conveyor belt having a plurality of slapping elements extending therefrom for engaging theexposed edges of the bricks passing thereunder. The lifting means comprises a plurality of plates secured in a staggered array beneath the slapping elements. The plates lift opposite ones of a staggered array of the bricks into engagement with theslapping elements for deforming the edge portions thereof while the brick array passes therethrough.

In yet another aspect, the invention includes an improved method of texturing brick machine of the type wherein a ribbon of clay is extruded from a mold, cut into a plurality of brick elements, and the surface of the brick elements deformed into atextured configuration. The method is effected while the bricks are disposed within a production array. The improvement comprises providing means for lifting adjacent ones of the bricks forming the array to expose the edge portion thereof. Means areprovided then for engaging and deforming the exposed sections of the brick array in the lifted configurations. The lifting means and the deforming means are positioned about a section of the issuing clay ribbon for engagement therewith. The ribbon ofclay comprising the brick array issues over the lifting means while the exposed edges of the bricks upstanding from the lifting means are deformed.