Client Story | Blue Encaustic Tiles — A Craft Collaboration Years in the Making
A handmade blue and white Encaustic tile - ready to be used
Some commissions arrive not just as work, but as milestones — reminders of how far a craftsperson has travelled, and how strongly this tradition is kept alive through shared knowledge. This project is one of those moments.
A close friend and colleague, Andrew from Were Conservation & Contemporary Mosaic, approached me needing a small batch of 2-inch encaustic tiles for a restoration project he was leading. The originals were classic: deep blue clay with white inlay, unmistakably Victorian, unmistakably Gothic. Producing replacements that would sit seamlessly among surviving historic tiles required precision, heritage knowledge, and a respect for the original craft.
A Commission Built on Trust and Mentorship
I’ve known Andrew for over six years, watching his skills, determination and commitment to excellence grow with every project he takes on. For the past few years I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring him; sharing what I’ve learned, helping him develop his own eye for detail and seeing him confidently step deeper into the world of traditional craft.
So when he entrusted me with creating replacement encaustic tiles for one of his conservation projects, it meant more than simply making parts for a floor. It represented trust between craftspeople and the meaningful exchange of knowledge that keeps these skills alive.
Recreating Victorian Craftsmanship
The tiles themselves required the same layered precision as larger encaustic pieces. Each tile was formed in blue-bodied clay, with crisp white inlay poured into the patterned recesses. Despite their size, the level of detail had to be exact; small format tiles leave no room for error.
The finish was excellent — clean, sharp, and true to the original Victorian aesthetic. The kind of tile that disappears into a restored floor, quietly doing its job for another hundred years.
Craft, Conservation, and the People Who Carry It Forward
This commission stands as a quiet but meaningful chapter in both of our journeys. Andrew’s dedication to conservation has always been obvious and it’s been a privilege to watch him grow into a craftsman. Projects like this remind me why I do what I do:
heritage craft survives because people pass it on, share it, teach it, and trust each other with the work.
