Step into Felix’s factory and the first thing you are struck by is the quiet. No whirring machines or mechanical hum – the tiles he produces for the new ‘Medina’ collection by Fired Earth and Bert & May are made by hand. It’s a process that has been perfected over generations.
In his Córdoba-based workshop, which was discovered by Bert & May founder Lee Thornley in 2010, the concentrated hush is punctuated only by the sound of the press, which compacts the layers of sand, powdered marble and natural mineral pigment that form each individual encaustic tile. It’s a true artisanal craft.
‘Supporting small family producers is crucial, because this is where the history of tile making lies,’ says Thornley. ‘Building relationships with these artisans has been a rewarding experience, and this allows us to bring their exquisite craftsmanship to a wider audience. By collaborating with them, we ensure that their valuable skills and heritage continue to thrive.’
What's everyone reading?
Hanging on the wall in Felix’s factory, there are many moulds, the metal frameworks that help the tile-makers accurately produce bright and bold patterns – and among them are ones created in preparation for the launch of Thornley’s latest collection with Fired Earth.
It’s one with an inspiration that’s very personal to him. ‘I’ve spent a lot of time in Andalusia and have always been captivated by the unique blend of cultures between Spain and Morocco. The Moorish architecture found within these regions is characterised by intricate designs, elaborate tilework and vibrant use of colour,’ says Thornley, whose love affair with the region began in 2008 when, tired of a career in law, he moved to the beautiful hilltop town of Vejer de la Frontera to learn Spanish.
So bewitched by the place was Thornley, he stayed and opened Casa La Siesta, a boutique hotel in the countryside nearby (its interior is a tile-spotter’s dream, full of reclaimed delights and new designs made especially for Bert & May). Walk around Vejer de la Frontera today and you can easily spot some of the architectural flourishes that have been distilled into the graphic designs of the ‘Medina’ collection – Moorish arches, for instance, are translated into a bold semicircular motif.
Also integral to this collection, though, was the inclusion of zellige tiles, made in Fez, Morocco. In fact, it’s an element that Fired Earth was really passionate about. ‘Their inclusion aligns with our brand’s roots in fired terracotta,’ explains James Sirett, the firm’s director of product and sourcing, referring to how, back in 1983 when it was founded, the company exclusively sold terracotta floor tiles from its Oxfordshire farmyard. Today, Fired Earth sells tiles in a wealth of materials (marble, concrete, porcelain and more), but not zellige – a style that, beneath its vibrant, charmingly imperfect glaze, is terracotta through and through.
‘Combining Fired Earth’s timeless aesthetic with Bert & May’s contemporary edge, we’ve created a collection that is both beautiful and innovative,’ says Sirett. ‘Its beauty lies in its versatility,’ adds Thornley, who points to the many unique possibilities for tessellation and personalisation.
And, if you’re inspired yourself and want to get even more creative, Thornley encourages people to get in touch so that he and his team can help them bring their vision to life with bespoke patterns and colours. No challenge is too big, no bathroom project too small. bertandmay.com; firedearth.com
