Norton Tile - Traditional hand made delft tiles

A unique delft tiled floor

Posted on: September 6th, 2022 by From the Workshop

We would never recommend using delft tiles for flooring because the 'wear and tear' would damage the glaze surface over time and the risk that the tiles may crack under the weight of traffic. So we were very interested to come across the extraordinary Portrait Gallery at the 17th century Chateau de Beauregard in the Loire region of France. Here, in what is believed to be a unique use of delft tiles, the floor has been decorated with over 6,000 delft tiles showing a military theme.

Delft tiled floor

Sea Creatures

Posted on: May 2nd, 2022 by From the Workshop

We recently produced a set of 24 different design tiles for a client who was after mythylogical sea creatures (at least we hope they are mythylogical!). Perhaps surprisingly this was a theme used by the original delft potters so we were able to mix 18 century designs with our own take on the subject.

This is a good example of how, because all our tiles are individually hand painted, we are able to respond to a client's request for something special. Get in touch with your ideas!

One of Sea Creatures series

For the Barking Mad

Posted on: October 7th, 2021 by From the Workshop

We are often asked by clients to paint images of their pet dogs.
Here are several of our four footed friends immortalised in blue and white on our delft tiles.
Some are whimsical interpretations of a favourite breed, some are little watercolours of much loved pets and some are just there to make you smile, such as the image recently sent by a client for ‘dancing pugs’.
The Hound

painting of family pet dog

Historic trades on delft tiles

Posted on: October 7th, 2021 by From the Workshop

Early delft tiles often reflected society at the time, and a common theme was a set of tiles showing people representing various trades. We reproduced a set of blue and white delft tiles showing 18 different trades for a client to use in a fireplace. Meet the bricklayer .....

Rare Delft Tiles Discovered

Posted on: February 7th, 2021 by From the Workshop

Over 250 rare delft tiles were discovered during the demolition of a house in Bourmemouth. The remarkably well-preserved collection of hand-painted tiles includes some decorated with biblical scenes, animals and colourful birds. The collection is estimated to be worth up to £50,000. Re-creating traditional tiles like these is what we do everyday in our workshop!

Rare delft tiles found during demolition

Polychrome delft tiles

Posted on: May 6th, 2015 by From the Workshop

Although most people associate 'delft' with blue decoration on white background, delft tiles have always been decorated in a range of glaze colours other than blue, notably crimson (or purple) and polychrome. For collectors, some of the most highly valued tiles are the polychrome delft tiles produced in Bristol in the mid-18th century.... Read More →