Inspiration
Our latest collection: Marlborough Matts
“The first thing everyone does when they see these tiles is reach out and touch them,” Flip tells me. Flip – Paul Flippance – has been working the kiln at Marlborough Tiles for 35 years. He hand finishes each one of our tiles as they come off the line at our factory.
If you’ve been following us for a while, three things will likely come to mind when you think of our tiles: the fact that they’re handmade here in Marlborough, the individually mixed colours that we’re renowned for, and our beautifully reflective signature crackle glaze.
On that third point, our latest collection is something quite new. Marlborough Matts is a collection of paper-smooth, perfectly flat tiles.
L-R: Skinny metro tiles in Coldharbour Green and Slate Blue, both from the new Marlborough Matts tile collection
“In interior design, there is a very particular look that one seeks to create with a matt tile," says Marlborough Tile's MD, Jamie. "It is soft yet architectural, clean yet cocooning. Most of the matt tiles on the market have a slight satin sheen that just don't allow you to be true to that look. With this collection, we wanted to create something quite different.”
At Marlborough Tiles, we pride ourselves on our ability to make what others can’t and seek to continually push the boundaries of our craft. It's one of the things that we believe sets us apart.
So, Jamie challenged our head of product, Anita, to create what he describes as a ‘true matt'. The tiles should be absolutely flat, with a surface like concrete or cement, but completely durable, strong and mark-proof, without the need for sealing. And, of course, with the purity and depth of glaze colour that we are known for.
The result is a collection of ten soft and versatile tones, developed to harmonise with Britain’s best loved paint colours – from the likes of Edward Bulmer, Farrow and Ball, Lick and Neptune.
The finish is almost chalky to the touch, and absorbs the light in the same way that a high quality matt house paint would. But unlike matt house paint, the tiles can of course be used in a bathroom. They do not require sealing, will not absorb water, and will not mark or scratch. In fact, they are strong and durable enough to be used on the floor.
The Marlborough Matts collection is strong and durable enough to be used on a wet room floor. Shown here are skinny metro brick tiles from the collection in Coldharbour Green, with Silver Grey grout.
L-R, both from the Marlborough Matts collection: Slate Blue skinny metro brick tiles with Silver Grey grout and Sandstone floor tiles in Fawn; Stone Wall Grey medium brick tiles with Silver Grey grout.
Each colour in the collection is available in your choice of two sizes. First, our classic 7.5 x 15 cm medium brick. And secondly, our skinny metro brick tile – at 6 x 21 cm it is a touch longer than most, and narrower, making it easy on the eye and striking a beautiful visual balance when installed, between grout line and tile.
Shades range from the beautifully saturated Slate Blue through soft greys, a barely-there pink, gentle heritage greens, and a palette of off-whites. You can explore the full collection here. Of course, if you'd like some expert advice on selecting the perfect shade for your scheme, please get in touch with our design team who will be happy to help.
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