Encaustic Tiles by Craig Peebles
Craig Peebles stands at the forefront of a vibrant renaissance in Encaustic Tile making, leading Welby & Wright, his contemporary tileworks in Edinburgh; reinventing this historic medium for contemporary audiences.
What Are Encaustic Tiles?
Encaustic tiles are decorative floor or wall tiles where the pattern is created by different colours of clay, rather than just a surface glaze. The coloured clays are inlaid to form the design, which means the pattern lasts even as the tile wears down. Traditionally handmade, encaustic tiles have a rich history and are known for their durability and striking, colourful designs. They’re perfect for adding a splash of heritage charm and character to any space.
Encaustic Art tile
Old Craft - New Rules.
This deliciously tactile piece is made using heritage techniques: colour held within the clay itself, not painted on top, pressed, inlaid and fired for permanence.
This is an entry point into the work; Small scale, Big attitude.
The colour of sustainability
The smoky brown/black body clay is made from recycled materials; brought back together rather than thrown away. We half-jokingly call it the colour of sustainability, because it’s literally everything mixed together. Nothing wasted. Everything accounted for.
What this piece stands for
It’s a functional object made with the same thinking as my architectural tiles.
It stands against throwaway design.
Why it’s magnet backed
Because it belongs in daily life.
On a fridge. A gate. A noticeboard.
Somewhere you’ll see it often.
Why I made this
I wanted to create something accessible without diluting the work. A piece that carries the values of encaustic craft; longevity, material honesty and intelligence at a scale people can live with easily.
This is not a compromise piece.
It’s a distilled one.
Details
Process: Handmade encaustic magnet
Materials: Reclaimed & recycled clay with encaustic inlay
Made in: Edinburgh, Scotland
Finish: Unglazed, fired porcelain clay body
Variations: Each piece is unique by design
Fixing: Discreet magnet set to the reverse
One final thing
This heart is built to last.
Old Craft. New Rules.
Heritage Crafts Association Commemorative Encaustic Tile - Handmade in Scotland 🏴
Celebrate the heart of UK traditional craft heritage with this exclusive, limited-edition encaustic tile—an homage to the Heritage Crafts Association and their vital work preserving endangered skills. Painstakingly crafted by Encaustic tile maker Craig Peebles in Edinburgh, this tile reproduces the Heritage Crafts logo using age-old encaustic techniques, spotlighting one of the rarest crafts on their Red List of Endangered Crafts.
Handmade in Edinburgh using traditional encaustic tile-making methods
Exclusive limited edition piece celebrating heritage craft preservation
Vibrant, elegant design that captures the spirit of endangered skills
Perfect for collectors or bespoke installations seeking authentic, historic charm
Supports the Heritage Crafts Association's mission to safeguard and pass on these invaluable crafts
Own a unique slice of heritage and preserve tradition with a tile that speaks volumes. Profits from the sale of this piece will be shared with Heritage Crafts to support their mission.
Commission your bespoke piece today and champion a craft that deserves a vibrant future!
The Heritage Crafts Association is the UK's national charity dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional craft skills. It researches and ranks the viability of crafts through its "Red List of Endangered Crafts," highlighting those at risk of being lost forever. The organisation works to ensure that these invaluable skills are passed on to the next generation, helping to safeguard a vital part of the nation's heritage.
Born in the lockdown lull when park benches were our pubs and fizz was supplied in picnic flutes, For cat-lovers everywhere, this piece is a celebration of small rebellions and great friendships. Handcrafted in Edinburgh by Craig Peebles at Welby & Wright, this limited-edition encaustic tile captures a cheeky moment….
Why you’ll love it
Handmade heritage: Each tile is individually inlaid using traditional encaustic techniques — a proper bit of old-school craft with a modern wink.
A portrait with personality: The cat’s crisp lines and playful expression make this tile a conversation starter on floors, walls, mantels, or tucked into a curated gallery of ceramics.
Built to last: Fired for durability, highly sustainable in materials and made to keep its character for generations.
Limited and collectible: Small batch release — once they’ve gone, they’re gone. Perfect for collectors of architectural ceramics and anyone who likes their home with a side of story.
Bespoke options: Want Donna in a different palette? Commission a variant and we’ll make it just for you.
A tile with a tale and nod and a wink; Donna is more than a tile — it’s a keepsake from a another time, a cheeky nod to the moments we stole back outdoors with good mates and high-end bubbles. Snap one up, stick it on your mantlepiece, love it, or commission a companion piece. We wouldn’t blame you!
I’ve got a missing tile…Can you make a replacement?
yes
Reproduction Encaustic Tiles
Looking to replace a missing or damaged encaustic floor tile? Has your Minton floor seen better days? Is your Maw & Co masterpiece needing attention? Is your Godwin floor Fu… Well, commission Craig to craft your reproduction, bringing your floor’s historic charm back to life with authentic, hand-made encaustic tiles. Using traditional methods and innovative techniques honed over years of research and experimentation, Craig will match colour, pattern, and design to blend with your existing tiles. Each tile is a one-off, imbued with heritage craftsmanship — no mass-produced drabness here. Let’s revive your treasured floors with a touch of colour and character that only a true artisan can deliver. Get in touch to start your bespoke tile commission today.
Can I commission tiles unique to me?
Yup
Bespoke Tile Making
Fancy a bespoke encaustic tile that tells YOUR story? Fancy a personalised plaque, a posh nameplate or a one-of-a-kind memorial to celebrate a life or a love? What about celebrating one of your passions by commissioning a fabulous fridge magnet or bespoke drawer pulls for your dream kitchen? Craig also welcomes invitations to collaborate with other artists on projects that blend traditional tile making with contemporary design, bringing together heritage craft and modern artistry to create truly unique and playful architectural ceramics.
“Let’s make something colourful, exclusive, and downright brilliant together.”
Craig combines decades of craft with a flair for design, colour, pattern, and heritage. Arrange a personalised consultation with Craig to discuss and explore your ideas in detail, ensuring every aspect of your vision is brought to life with expert care and craftsmanship.
Handmade in Edinburgh, each tile is a unique masterpiece that’ll elevate your space and spark conversation.
Ready to start? Commissions are open now.
Ok…. But do you give advice ?
AYE
Consultation
Craig will guide you with expert theoretical and practical knowledge.
Craig offers expert consultation on both conservation and contemporary projects, combining a lifetime of hands-on expertise, a deep knowledge of materials, traditional tile making techniques and a flair for modern design. Whether you're restoring heritage floors or commissioning a bespoke installation, his advice ensures authenticity, balance, and a splash of that unmistakable Welby & Wright panache. From inlaid ceramics reminiscent of Minton’s finest to colourful, playful floor tiles crafted by hand in Edinburgh, Craig’s input guarantees a unique and timeless finish.
For clients aiming to recreate the authenticity of Victorian-era tiling, Craig offers his expertise. Contact him now.
Craig's consultancy services extend beyond traditional restoration projects. He is equally adept at assisting clients with contemporary tile installations, where his expertise in tessellated and encaustic floor tiles shines through.
Fancy
“In a world rushing headlong into the fast and forgettable, my work insists on slow conversation, on the joy of tactile. Enduring beauty beneath our feet and in our hands.”
Craig Peebles
Get in touch!
Why Choose Welby & Wright?
At Welby & Wright, we understand the importance of finding the perfect company to collaborate with. Our dedication to ensuring client satisfaction sets us apart and we take pride in going above and beyond to deliver exceptional services.
Contact us today and let's start crafting your masterpiece together!
Unfortunately, we aren’t always open for visitors but Craig welcomes enquiries for studio visits and in-person consultations.