Client Story | Edinburgh Castle at night : Encaustic tile commission for a 20th wedding anniversary
We were honoured to work on a very special, one‑of‑a‑kind commission; a bespoke encaustic tile created to mark a couple’s 20th wedding anniversary. They were married at Edinburgh Castle and wanted a gift that captured that place, that memory and the milestone of two decades together.
Traditionally, the 20th anniversary is associated with porcelain or china gifts, symbolising beauty, delicacy, and something that lasts. Rather than a typical porcelain plate or vase, the couple chose a handcrafted encaustic tile; a durable, artistic alternative that still aligns beautifully with the spirit of the porcelain tradition.
On Display - The Edinburgh Castle Commission at home
From concept to inspiration — a personal celebration
The couple wanted Edinburgh Castle at night, bursting with fireworks across the sky.
We began with a detailed consultation:
Listening to the story of their wedding at the Castle.
Choosing a night‑time palette where fireworks would light up parts of the roof and buildings.
Studying reference photos of the Castle’s silhouette and nighttime events to capture its architecture and atmosphere.
The goal was to create a tile that felt timeless, dramatic, and deeply personal — not just decoration, but a keepsake of an unforgettable place and moment.
A concept image - Edinburgh Castle with fireworks exploding overhead
Crafting the tile — traditional encaustic techniques
Using traditional inlay methods, every element of the tile was inlaid with coloured clay, not merely painted or glazed on the surface. This process embeds the design into the tile itself, giving it longevity and the authenticity and character of handcrafted encaustic tiles.
The pressed tile body - Every detail of the Edinburgh Castle design is carefully inlaid by hand
The result — a keepsake for a milestone anniversary
The finished tile is a striking, emotional narrative. For the couple, it becomes a permanent tribute to where they began their journey together and to a milestone that celebrates 20 years of marriage. For anyone who sees it, the tile is a conversation piece, a piece of history and a work of art rolled into one.
Old meets new - The completed Edinburgh Castle commission on a floor of Minton & Co masterpieces
Why commission a bespoke tile from Welby & Wright?
Personal story & emotion: Capture a place, memory, or milestone that matters to you.
Durable & authentic: Traditional encaustic techniques embed the design in clay, so it endures — a beautiful counterpart to the porcelain tradition.
Heritage craftsmanship: We revive centuries‑old tile‑making methods for today’s interiors.
Unique & bespoke: Every commission is one‑of‑a‑kind, tailored to the client’s vision and story.
Inspired by this story? Whether it’s a 20th wedding anniversary, a favourite location, a beloved city skyline, or another cherished memory, a bespoke encaustic tile can tell that story in clay.
Contact us today to start a consultation and create your own lasting, personal artwork.
