About this piece
back to topA striking set of nine ecclesiastical antique English encaustic tiles. Stamped with maker’s marks to the reverse, this collection includes eight buff and red terracotta tiles in the form of an ordinal folate cross by Minton & Co, and one by Maw & Co to the centre displaying a floret within a blue glazed roundel.
Together these 6-inch tiles create a striking set  for a statement splashback or decorative panel in an interior, supplied loose for arrangement in any formation.
Dating back to the 19th century, these encaustic tiles are antique and as such have a characterful, timeworn look with scuffs and crazing here and there that only enhance the beauty of these striking patterned tiles.
Minton & Co.
To this day, Minton & Co. are considered one of the major pottery and porcelain manufacturers of British history.
Established in 1793, the company was founded by Thomas Minton (1765 – 1836) in Stoke-on-Trent. Until 1845, the pottery manufacturers traded under various styles before adopting the ‘Minton’ name.
When Thomas Minton died, the business passed to his son, Herbert (1793 – 1858) who expanded business by entering into partnership with Michael Hollins. The ‘Minton & Co.’ name was dedicated to encaustic and inlaid tiles while the ‘Minton, Hollins & Co.’ partnership was for printed, painted or majolica wall tiles.
Minton exhibited at trade exhibitions across the globe, establishing a firm reputation for excellence in pottery and earthenware.
Maw & Co.
Maw & Co. was founded in 1850 by George Maw and his brother Arthur. Over the next 30 years, the business would grow into one of the most influential English floor tile manufacturers in the industry, Maw & Co. tiles decorating properties and establishments across the globe.
Initially based in Worcester, the business relocated to the Benthall Works in Broseley, Shropshire in 1852. Here they made their highly sought after encaustic tiles while experimenting with majolica glazes, transfer print, hand painting and relief tiles. In 1883, the business expanded, relocating again to a new premises in Jackfield.
At the end of the 19th century, Maw & Co. was one of the largest tile factories in the world, trading for a further 70 years before closing in 1970.