BLACK DOG OF WELLS

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Chinese Garden

HE WHO PLANTS A GARDEN PLANTS HAPPINESS

The blue and white Chinese Willow Pattern design was introduced to England by Thomas Minton in the late eighteenth century, and for over two hundred years has been a much-loved pattern used by nearly every pottery manufacturer.

This ceramic tile has some of the quality of carved ivory. It is based on one of the early Willow Pattern designs, with the two doves, formalised apple trees and a typical Chinese pagoda type building intricately modelled into the surface. With the lovely sentiment “He who plants a garden plants Happiness” (translated from a traditional Chinese proverb), this charming garden plaque makes perfect outdoor garden decor and would grace any courtyard wall. Makes a perfect present for gardeners everywhere.

Dimensions: 9.7cm x 11cm

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Glastonbury Thorn

THE HOLY THORN OF GLASTONBURY

Legend has it that Joseph of Arimathea – great uncle of Jesus – sailed to Britain after the crucifixion and landed on the Isle of Avalon. This was the hill in Glastonbury, Somerset now known as Wearyall Hill.

Weary, Joseph thrust his staff into the fertile earth and by the next day the stick had rooted and was to become the first Glastonbury thorn tree. It is on this spot that Joseph is reputed to have built the first Christian church in England. The original holy thorn tree was destroyed by the Puritans, but cuttings were secretly taken and survive to the present day. The miraculous thorn flowers at Christmas, and a sprig of the tree is presented each year to the Queen by a Glastonbury school child. It can be seen on her desk when she talks to the nation on Christmas Day.

The thorn on our tile is based on a medieval drawing. It is a favourite souvenir of Glastonbury, a centre for pilgrimage.

Dimensions: 10.8cm x 10.6cm

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God's Tree

ONLY GOD CAN MAKE A TREE

At the turn of the last century, the poet Joyce Kilmer (1888-1918) wrote “Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree”
The second line of the couplet has become something of a war cry for the twenty first century’s Green Movement. Just these few words remind us that for all man’s amazing technological advancements, nature is the all-important force that we must re-learn to protect and conserve.
The image of a simple fruit tree is based on a well known design for tapestry - “The Orange Tree”. This was produced by Morris & Co, the design and manufacturing company started by William Morris in the late 19th century. The decorative design with its thought provoking message makes a good present for William Morris fans, creationists, gardeners and perhaps for today’s young eco-warrior.

Dimensions: 10.2cm x 10.2cm

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Lavender

LAVENDER

Lavender was introduced to Britain by the Romans who used to bathe in lavender scented water. Since classical times, the plant has always been highly valued due to its healing and soothing properties. With its inimitable scent and medicinal properties, it is not surprising that it was often found in monastery gardens. Lavender is still used today to relieve headaches and to induce sleep.

This intricate design is based on an engraving by Petrus Matthiolus of Venice, which was published in a book of herbals in 1565. The tile makes a pretty and unusual gift.

Dimensions: 10cm x 11.5cm

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Medieval Garden

GOD THE FIRST GARDEN MADE

This shows two rather well dressed gardeners working in a verdant garden. One holds a tree firmly whilst the other is carrying a basket of fruit and at their feet are two shovels. The design is based on woodcuts from one of the earliest books about gardening, The Book of Planting which was printed in Strasbourg in 1512.
The quotation “God the first Garden made” is by Abraham Cowley (1618 – 1667), the seventeenth century Cavalier Poet. As well as being a poet Cowley took a great and practical interest in experimental science. His advocacy led directly to the foundation of the Royal Society in 1660.
This is a really interesting and historic tile design for courtyards and gardens everywhere.

Dimensions: 10cm x 10cm

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Posy of Herbs

HERBYS NECESSARY FOR A GARDYN... FOR SAVOUR AND BEAUTE

Marjoram was one of the strewing herbs used to give our ancestors’ houses a clean and pleasant smell.
Rosemary has always been widely used to give a piquant tang to all sorts of meat dishes.
Thyme was, and still is, a basic herb used to flavour forcemeats and stuffings.
Mint, both fresh and dried, has always provided flavour to many dishes, both sweet and savoury.

Tied together with a formal ribbon, the four different herbs on this wall plaque are based on various engravings from 16th century Herbals. Together, they form a posy of herbys round which is engraved “Herbys Necessary for a Garden for Savour and Beaute”. The words form the title of a book written by Thomas Fromon and published in 1535, which included thirty species of herbs essential for a garden.

This decorative plaque is an ideal addition to any kitchen or herb garden.

Dimensions: 10.3cm x 10.3cm

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Rosemary

ROSEMARY

“There is rosemary, that’s for remembrance....” says Ophelia in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. Rosemary is also the symbol of fidelity and was often used in bridal wreaths in Elizabethan times.

It is valued as a culinary herb, traditionally to accompany lamb and today often associated with Mediterranean food.
This decorative wall tile is based on an engraving by Leonhard Fuchsius of Basle, produced in Switzerland in 1542.
It makes attractive wall decoration to go in kitchens and gardens everywhere – not to mention the ideal present for those who share the lovely name!

Dimensions: 10.3cm x 11cm

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Sunflower

GIVE ME THE SPLENDID SILENT SUN

The French call the sunflower Girasol – literally the flower that turns to the sun. This delightful ceramic tile would add charm to any courtyard or garden with the warm glow of terracotta brightening a dull winter’s day.
The quote which runs around the centre reads “Give me the splendid silent sun....” which is taken from a poem of the same name by the North American poet Walt Whitman (1819-1892)

This garden decoration, modelled from life, is a permanent reminder of summer for the whole year. This outdoor wall tile can be hung in a patio or courtyard.

Dimensions: 10.8cm

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Autumn

THE SQUIRREL LIVES MUCH ON HAZEL NUTS

One of a set of four tiles depicting the seasons. The relevant quotations are chosen carefully from "The Natural History & Antiquities of Selborne” written by the Suffolk clergyman Gilbert White and first published in 1788.

The imagery is based on contemporary wood engravings originally made for end-pieces and book illustrations by Thomas Bewick and his followers. Here, a red squirrel, symbol of John Keats’s “Season of Mists and mellow fruitfulness,” gathers hazel nuts for the winter to come. In the background we can see a gate, thatched hay stack and trees.
Individually or as part of a set of four theses delightful tiles remind us of the countryside and the changing faces of Nature.

Dimensions: 10.5cm x 10.7cm

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Spring

IN SPRING RING DOVES WING IN PLAYFUL MANNER

One of a set of four tiles depicting the seasons. The relevant quotations are chosen carefully from "The Natural History & Antiquities of Selborne” written by the Suffolk clergyman Gilbert White and first published in 1788.

The imagery is based on contemporary wood engravings originally made for end-pieces and book illustrations by Thomas Bewick and his followers. Here, a ring dove (wood pigeon) sits on a branch of flowering hawthorn. Behind, we can see a farm or mill with a water wheel set against a background of trees.
Individually or as part of a set of four theses delightful tiles remind us of the countryside and the changing faces of Nature.

Dimensions: 10.5cm x 10.7cm

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Summer

THE TIMOROUS HARE LIMPS FORTH TO FEED

One of a set of four tiles depicting the seasons. The relevant quotations are chosen carefully from "The Natural History & Antiquities of Selborne” written by the Suffolk clergyman Gilbert White and first published in 1788.

The imagery is based on contemporary wood engravings originally made for end-pieces and book illustrations by Thomas Bewick and his followers. Here a hare - that mysterious animal of early morning and long summer evenings – hesitantly pauses amongst the foliage. Behind, we can see a gate and windmill with woodland in the background.
Individually or as part of a set of four theses delightful tiles remind us of the countryside and the changing faces of Nature.

Dimensions: 10.5cm x 10.7cm

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Winter

OWLS HAVE VERY EXPRESSIVE NOTES

One of a set of four tiles depicting the seasons. The relevant quotations are chosen carefully from "The Natural History & Antiquities of Selborne” written by the Suffolk clergyman Gilbert White and first published in 1788.

The imagery is based on contemporary wood engravings originally made for end-pieces and book illustrations by Thomas Bewick and his followers. Here a tawny owl sits on a bare branch, with a cottage and church behind and with winter trees on the skyline.
Individually or as part of a set of four theses delightful tiles remind us of the countryside and the changing faces of Nature.

Dimensions: 10.5cm x 10.7cm

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William Turner 500th Anniversary Tile

Guilielmus Turner

In 1508, 500 years ago, Dr William Turner was born: theologian, physician, ‘Father of English Botany’ and Dean of Wells . He lived in the Old Deanery 1551-54 and 1560-64, and published A New Herball, the first major book about plants to be written in English. The Garden, revived by local volunteers, contains plants and trees described by Turner in his writings. The strawberry plant is based on one of his drawings.

Dimensions: 8.8cm x 10.5cm

Special Price - End of Range