Tile was one of the earliest media that Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. explored. Tiles were imported from Holland and painted by Morris himself, as well as others in the Morris & Co. circle. Many of these original tile designs later made their way to implementations in stained glass and textiles.
Pressed Tiles
Pros: Pressed tiles are the best choice when you want to duplicate an art work, such as the original William Morris & Co. designs. It is possible to achieve a higher degree of consistency with pressed tiles than with glazed tiles. You can clean ceramic tiles with any household non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge. Use only unsanded grout when setting your tile.
Cons: Our pressed tiles are not generally intended for permanent outdoor use. Even with the best UV dyes, fading will occur if the tiles are placed in direct sun or exposed to weather in an outdoor environment.
Just as there is an enormous difference between a Morris-designed De Morgan ceramic tile imported from Portugal and a 10 cent ceramic tile bought at Home Depot, there is a huge span in the quality of pressed tiles. We use the highest quality ceramic tiles, and UV dyes. We press each tile individually. Most of our pressed tiles are ceramic, but may be tumbled Botticino marble.
Glazed Tiles
Pros
A more traditional tile method. Glazed tiles are better suited for outdoor use. There is considerable variation among tiles. As they age, glazed tiles are subject to crackling and crazing. The variation and change in the tile as it ages is normal and is considered a feature.
Cons
Glazed tiles may crack in extremes of weather. The original Morris &. Co. tiles were hand-painted and then multi-glazed. Some Morris designs are duplicated using a stencil transfer onto the tile, which is then hand-painted and glazed. Although we like the history and feeling of glazed tiles, offering Morris & Co. design tiles in this way requires soulless mass production and the support of working conditions that run contrary to our principles and those of William Morris. We have a relationship with ceramic artist, Daryl Yodis, and will occasionally offer her original work with designs based on Arts and Crafts motifs.
How Morris & Co. tiles were made
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