Victorian tile, historically known as encaustic inlaid earthenware tile, was originally crafted in England by 12th century Cistercian Order monks. With the abolishment of monasteries in the 16th century, during the reign of King Henry VIII, this remarkable skill was lost for hundreds of years. It was not until the Victorian Period of the 19th century, a prosperous time of renewed popular interest in medieval English architecture and design, that Herbert Minton, the renowned English tile craftsman, rediscovered the lost technique of encaustic tile production. His impressive list of commissioned Victorian tiled floors include: The Royal Palaces of Windsor and Sandringham, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster, Government Buildings in India and Australia, the Albert Hall, Cathedrals of Westminster and Glasgow, the U. S. Capitol in Washington D.C., the Smithsonian Institute-Arts & Industry Building in Washington, D.C., to name but a few.

A resurgence of interest in the Victorian encaustic tile craft began in 1974 when the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. commissioned our tile producer to refurbish the floors in the Arts & Industry Building. Today, ours is the only producer in the world that continues the true method of making encaustic tile as Herbert Minton did during the Victorian Period.

Because crafting these tiles involves a time consuming and labor intensive technique, along with high labor costs in England, these are our most expensive tiles. Their ability to withstand heavy traffic for hundreds of years gives them long lasting beauty and value. The combination of encaustic tiles with Geometric tiles (same line) or using encaustic tiles for accents with natural stone or other less expensive tiles can help reduce costs.

Minton's original sketchbook is often referred to for his unique designs and technique. These beautiful yet very durable tiles can be used for floors, walls, or virtually any surface in any public building, place of business, or private home.