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Threshold Madelaine Jane Dowd: DOW13384582 Original Features A traditional flooring specialist. With focus on creating Victorian style, tile flooring using the traditional methods. This involves using only five different tiles (shown on the page) with a specific range of colours. Established more than 25 years ago. They use the same production methods and styles as the classic designs that they are selling. Victorian features are often changed from darker colours to brighter colours. Geometric tiles are still make with the same techniques. Made from clay dust for durability. The use of tiles were used in more opulent surroundings, during the Victorian era. They were not used in places that were seen as common or not worth the beauty. The use of traditional tiles could then be used to create more opulent interpretations. The designs were said to be influenced by the artwork surrounding the Victorian era. History of production Clay floor tiles were originally hand crafted by Cistercian monks in the twelfth century. In medieval Britain every respected building worth any large sum of money would be full of these tiles creating the most beautiful displays. As well as plain tiles, the monks developed the designs by creating the encaustic tile(, this involved the process of layering different colours of clay rather than painting the surface and glazing). In the 1540s demand for these tile fell, as they fell out of fashion. However in the 19 th century as excavations were found of these masterpieces the desire for these came back. Herbert Minton chose to revive the dying art, in 1828 and in 1830 he began experimenting with these tiles and shared the patent with Samuel Wright. In 1842 they got their first large commission, this was for the Temple Church of London.

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Threshold Madelaine Jane Dowd: DOW13384582 Commonwealth Institute residential towers under construction Fitzwilliam Museum High-street Kensington Station

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Threshold Madelaine Jane Dowd: DOW13384582 Tottenham Hale Station view

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Threshold Madelaine Jane Dowd: DOW13384582 Barbican Exhibition Liverpool Street Masonic Temple