Minton tiles are the ceramic floor and wall tiles produced by the Minton firm of Stoke-on-Trent and its associated companies, most famously the encaustic and geometric tiles that transformed the floors of Victorian churches, public buildings and houses. Herbert Minton took up the revival of medieval inlaid tiles in the 1830s and 1840s, developing reliable methods of manufacture.
Encaustic tiles are made by inlaying clays of contrasting colours into a patterned base before firing, so the design runs through the body rather than sitting on the surface, giving great durability. Minton worked closely with A. W. N. Pugin, and the firm supplied tiles for the Palace of Westminster and many Gothic Revival churches. Production later expanded to include printed, painted and majolica wall tiles, fireplace panels and decorative pictorial series, some designed by notable artists. The tile business was carried on under the name Minton Hollins & Co., and many tiles bear moulded maker's marks on the reverse. Collectors look for crisp patterns, strong colour and intact edges. Original Minton floors are now treasured in period houses, and salvaged tiles are used to repair them or framed and set into fire surrounds and wash stands.
