William Nicholson Tile Collection

William Nicholson tiles reinterpret the work of Sir William Nicholson, born in 1872 and perhaps best remembered for his brilliant work as a poster designer and printmaker. Ultimately, the whole Nicholson series is testament to Nicholson’s ability to plainly and effortlessly capture a strong sense of mood and character.

 

William Nicholson tiles and graphic storytelling

Nicholson’s celebrated print series of the late 1890s combine bold silhouettes, simplified forms, limited colour and sharply observed character. In An Alphabet, figures from different ranks and occupations personify individual letters. An Almanac of Twelve Sports aligns British pastimes with the months, while The Square Book of Animals turns familiar creatures into compact studies of movement and personality. Original designs were cut as woodcuts and also issued in colour lithographic editions, a graphic language that translates convincingly into hand-painted ceramic.

The collection includes An Alphabet by William Nicholson and The Square Book of Animals and An Almanac of Twelve Sports. Used individually, the tiles read as small works of illustration. Arranged in measured groups, they create a narrative panel with a strong rhythm of black, cream, ochre and red.

 

Specifying hand-painted illustrated tiles

William Nicholson tiles are suited to considered interior settings such as fireplace surrounds, framed wall panels, niches and decorative wall features, where the imagery can be viewed at close range. Layout should be planned around the number of chosen subjects, tile proportions, border treatment and grout spacing. Samples allow colour, brushwork and surface character to be reviewed alongside surrounding stone, timber, paintwork or plain field tiles.

For related British decorative traditions, explore the William de Morgan Tile Series. The Signature Series - Artisan Patterned Ceramic Tiles offers further hand-painted and character-led surfaces for projects requiring a broader mix of motifs and palettes.

 

Project Guidance and Enquiries

For project guidance, availability, pricing, samples or further information, please contact us. Your enquiry will come directly to De Ferranti, and we will be pleased to discuss suitability, quantities, lead times and options for your project.