BLACK DOG OF WELLS

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All Shall Be Well

ALL SHALL BE WELL ALL SHALL BE WELL AND ALL MANNER OF THINGS SHALL BE WELL

Julian of Norwich (1342 – to circa 1413) was an English mystic who spent part of her life as an anchorite or hermit. She had a series of visions about which she wrote and her writings have amazingly survived over the centuries.

Unusually for her time she saw the Trinity as Father, Mother, Lord - which appeals today to people looking for a fresh approach to spirituality. In her prayers and meditations she assures us that in the Love of God all shall be well.

“All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of thing(s) shall be well”..... The wording on the tile forms a spiral, in itself much used in the early Christian church of Britain and Ireland to represent growth and fulfilment. This is a unique wall tile with an optimistic message for those who need comfort and reassurance.

Dimensions: 10.3cm x 10.3cm

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Congratulations

CONGRATULATIONS

In late eighteenth century a sheep a duck and a rooster were apparently the first passengers to travel in a hot air balloon.
Here a cheerful man gives a celebratory wave from the basket of his balloon. The design is inspired by the ornate patterns which decorated early hot air balloons.

Dimensions: 8.7cm x 11.2cm

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Forever Together

FOREVER TOGETHER

Sea horses are small delicate sea creatures that are different from other fish in that they are monogamous and mate for life. The male carries the eggs which, when they hatch, are released as miniature versions of the parents.
This design is based on a stone carving found over a doorway on the City University in Paris. The trident has been replaced with a heart shape and coupled with the apposite words Forever Together.

This Romantic design is a perfect present for couples. If this is given as a present, you may like to have it framed. This makes an ideal alternative gift for engagements, weddings and anniversaries.

Dimensions: 8.3cm x 10.2cm

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Love is Enough

LOVE IS ENOUGH

This lovely decorative wall tile is Based on a design by William Morris for his
‘Doves and Roses’ woven textile of 1879. The woven textile has since been reproduced as wallpaper and printed fabric. A banner incorporated into our design contains the words “Love is enough” in the romantic black letter script favoured by Morris and his circle.

These words form the title of the second book of poems written by Morris and printed by his Kelmscott Press.
The design and words form a popular and romantic tile, which is often given as an engagement present as well as for weddings and particular anniversaries.

Dimensions: 10.5cm x 10cm

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Nautical Blessing

GO WITH A FAIR WIND AND A FOLLOWING TIDE

This mariner’s benediction was given to the captain and crew of a ship when leaving dock to wish them good fortune and a safe journey.
The design is based on a 19th century clipper in full sail from a stone carving found in the museum associated with the ruined Carmelite church in Lisbon. The church is kept unrestored as a memorial to the devastating earthquake of 1755.
An ideal gift to give to a sailor or fisherman. This nautical blessing could also be given at a farewell ceremony or as retirement present. (The contemporary frame option is not shown as the tile is marginally too wide for the frame)

Dimensions: 11.2cm x 8.8cm

New Design launched July 2010

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Owl & Pussycat

THE OWL & THE PUSSYCAT WENT TO SEA IN A BEAUTIFUL PEA-GREEN BOAT

Edward Lear (1812 – 1888) was an artist, humorist and traveller. He wrote his famous poem ‘The Owl and the Pussy Cat’ for Jane Symond’s three-year old daughter, Janet. This, his second nonsense book, was published in 1871, titled, ‘Nonsense Songs, Stories, Botany and Alphabets’.
His first ‘Book of Nonsense’ published in 1846 was written for the grandchildren of the 13th Earl of Derby. He illustrated his limericks and nonsense songs with his inimitable humorous drawings.

This amusing wall decoration incorporates the first two lines of the poem. We designed the tile with its merry interpretation of the story for parents and grandparents to give to their offspring as a protest against the growing tide of plastic toys.

The first few lines of this lengthy poem read:
"The Owl and the Pussy-Cat went to sea
In a beautiful pea-green boat.
They took some honey and plenty of money
Wrapped up in a five-pound note ......"

However, the verses which refer to the nuptials of the happy couple make it a favourite poem to be read at modern weddings and it is often given as an extra wedding present.

Dimensions: 10.2cm x 10.5cm

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Sun Carpe Diem (with leaf corners)

CARPE DIEM

Usually translated from the Latin of the Roman poet Horace in his Odes as 'seize the day', or sometimes as 'enjoy the day', or 'pluck the day when it is ripe'. Lord Byron was the first to integrate the phrase into English in his 'Letters' of 1817: "I never anticipate, - carpe diem - the past at least is one's own, which is one reason for making sure of the present."

The phrase has been enthusiastically absorbed into today’s language, perhaps especially since the cult film The Dead Poets’ Society (1989) used it as a neat summary of the story’s philosophy.
The words are here set around a design based on a medieval clock face, linking the phrase with the concept of passing time.

This bold decorative plaque makes a thought provoking and pertinent present for anyone with a special birthday or anniversary.... especially for someone who is retiring or hitting 60 – 70 – 80!

Dimensions: 10.5cm x 10.5cm

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The Artful Angler

ANGLING IT IS AN ART

This angler is adding new bait to his hook, no doubt in deep contemplation as to whether he should continue to fish at this spot or try his luck somewhere else along the river. He is regarded by an inquisitive fish.
The design is based on a wood engraving by Thomas Bewick (1753 - 1828), England’s foremost wood engraver. The quote is by Izaak Walton (1593 - 1683), whose famous work ‘The Compleat Angler’ was published in 1653.
An ideal gift for the fisherman who has everything!

Dimensions: 9.7cm x 11cm

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Welcome Sweet Babe 2010

2010

In past centuries, children were often told that storks delivered babies. Why do we associate storks with newly born babies?
Storks have been revered in Europe since the middle Ages. Their association with babies originates many centuries ago in legend and lore native to northern Germany. One legend tells us that the souls of unborn children live in watery areas such as marshes, wells, springs and ponds. Since storks often visit these places, they were believed to fetch babies’ souls and deliver them to their parents.

Another answer might be that the legend grew because storks, symbols of happiness and good luck, arrived in Northern Europe in time for spring. In any event, this charming tile shows a stork (based on an 18th century wood engraving of Thomas Bewick) carrying a new born baby wrapped in a traditional shawl.

The background is based on early nineteenth century handmade lace. This traditional design makes a charming and very unusual present to celebrate the arrival of a new born child. This decorative tile will last long after other welcoming gifts are forgotten.

Dimensions: 9.8cm x 9.8cm

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Lace

The terracotta here has a filigree quality. The design is based on early nineteenth century handmade lace: a cross can be seen amongst the repeating flowers and leaf patterns.

Two or more of these tiles could be used to space other more figurative designs to form richly decorative wall decor. With its even surface the tile would also make an unusual and attractive trivet.

Dimensions: 9.8cm x 9.8cm

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Love Today & Forever

LOVE TODAY AND FOREVER

In central Europe, richly decorated cookies were traditionally given as love tokens. The cake mixture – often gingerbread – was pressed into a wooden mould and the resulting biscuit or cake was baked and sometimes iced before being presented to your loved one.

This wall hanging is based on a 19th century wooden gingerbread mould from Slovakia, formally part of Czechoslovakia. It shows a sweet young couple arm in arm and dressed in their Sunday best – or possibly their wedding finery. The words run up and down each side: Love today and forever

This tile, which also looks very good in one of our frames, is often chosen as a present for a special wedding anniversary. Depicting such a happy couple! It also makes a humorous wedding gift which will last over the years to come.

Dimensions: 10.2cm x 9.8cm

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Welcome Sweet Babe 2009

2009

In past centuries, children were often told that storks delivered babies. Why do we associate storks with newly born babies?
Storks have been revered in Europe since the middle Ages. Their association with babies originates many centuries ago in legend and lore native to northern Germany. One legend tells us that the souls of unborn children live in watery areas such as marshes, wells, springs and ponds. Since storks often visit these places, they were believed to fetch babies’ souls and deliver them to their parents.

Another answer might be that the legend grew because storks, symbols of happiness and good luck, arrived in Northern Europe in time for spring. In any event, this charming tile shows a stork (based on an 18th century wood engraving of Thomas Bewick) carrying a new born baby wrapped in a traditional shawl.

The background is based on early nineteenth century handmade lace. This traditional design makes a charming and very unusual present to celebrate the arrival of a new born child. This decorative tile will last long after other welcoming gifts are forgotten.

Dimensions: 9.8cm x 9.8cm

Special Price - End of Range

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Optima Mater

OPTIMA MATER

Can be translated as "Most excellent mother". A eulogistic tribute set into a garland of juniper and laurel leaves. What better way permanently to acknowledge your wonderful mother!
An excellent mothers day gift.

Dimensions: 10.8cm x 9.2cm

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Optimus Pater

OPTIMUS PATER

Can be translated as "Most excellent father". A eulogistic tribute set into a garland of juniper and laurel leaves. What better way permanently to acknowledge your wonderful father!
An excellent fathers day gift.

Dimensions: 10.8cm x 9.2cm

Special Price - End of Range

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Sun Carpe Diem (previous version)

CARPE DIEM

Usually translated from the Latin of the Roman poet Horace in his Odes as 'seize the day', or sometimes as 'enjoy the day', or 'pluck the day when it is ripe'. Lord Byron was the first to integrate the phrase into English in his 'Letters' of 1817: "I never anticipate, - carpe diem - the past at least is one's own, which is one reason for making sure of the present."

The phrase has been enthusiastically absorbed into today’s language, perhaps especially since the cult film The Dead Poets’ Society (1989) used it as a neat summary of the story’s philosophy.
The words are here set around a design based on a medieval clock face, linking the phrase with the concept of passing time.

This bold decorative plaque makes a thought provoking and pertinent present for anyone with a special birthday or anniversary.... especially for someone who is retiring or hitting 60 – 70 – 80!

Dimensions: 9.8cm x 9.8cm

Special Price - End of Range

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Thine Estate

CONTENT THYSELF WITH THINE ESTATE

This quaint decorative tile has the feel of a cross-stitched sampler, with its formal little house and the deer, rabbit and bird emerging from the delicate foliage. In fact the design is based on an early 18th century English embroidery, with silk stitching applied to a wool backing.
The words “Content thyself with thine estate” are carved into the tile, a quotation from Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey (1517-1547), English poet and courtier, often credited as a father of the English sonnet. What better present than this for the owner of a house and garden.....his or her estate!

Dimensions: 9.5cm x 10.5cm

Special Price - End of Range