Victorian Tiling Company Were Tiling
qest craft scholar for Victorian Tiling

Period Mosaic Tiling

To someone who hasn’t studied, or is unaware of, the Classical Mosaic tiling period, they may not realise that many of the characteristics, iconography and designs of mosaic and geometric floors of the mid to late 19th and 20th century are taken from Classical mosaic floors, laid down two thousand years prior to their conception.

Using many of the same production and installation techniques and generally serving the same functions, practically, socially and culturally of that period.

Where did the inspiration for Mosaic Tiling Design come from?

Mosaic Floor designs of mid to late 19th and early 20th Century take their inspiration and influence from classical mosaics, many of the potteries design houses would copy the different individual and interlocking sections, common geometric patterns and borders of Classical Mosaic. Such inspiration as: Running Dogs (Wavebands) Swastikas, Greek Keys, Guilloches, Friezes, Medallions, Vines, Wreaths, Meanders, Plant stems, spandrels, leafs and flowers.

These Classical Motifs were also commonly used and made in the form of Inlay tiles, or to use their more popular, Victorian name, encaustic tiles. They became very popular and were heavily manufactured during the mid to late 19th and early 20th century. And were used to enhance the designs and patterns of geometric tiled floors, because of the many possible design and colour variations.

Although the Inlay technique had been used in medieval times, for ecclesiastical and church buildings. This was the first time these tiles had been manufactured to an industrial scale for domestic properties using this technique.

Two of the largest manufacturers of Inlay and geometric tiles and also the most renowned and prominent Victorian Potteries were Minton’s and Maw’s and Co.

How can I find out more?

The easiest way to find out more is to get in touch.  We do not call ourselves a specialist historic tiler restoration company for nothing.  We have studied and are certified in all forms of mosaic and geometric tiling for Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian Era designs.

What Our Customers Say

Brian from Newcastle

We were replacing a carpet in our hall and discovered the original Victorian tiling was still there. Andrew came to our home, looked at the tiling and gave us a quote with no hassle. His attention to detail and careful and methodical approach are clear in the end results. We are so delighted with the work that he has done. We never thought about having a tiled hallway but we are more than delighted with the results and it has increased the value of our home considerably.

Andy from Glasgow

We were looking for our Storm Door area and hallway to have a matching contemporary geometric tile design to them. We want a modern take that worked with our period Victorian home. Andrew was one of three tilers we call. He was the only one who took any measurements and really looked at the set up that we wanted. We went Were because they seemed to know what they were talking about and we were impressed with their detailed quote breakdown. It meant we knew exactly what to expect. And the end result - we could not be more happy with the end results. Our hallway looks better than ever.