BUILD Q2 2019

BUILD Q2 2019 36 WR180110 picer Tiles has been manufacturing handmade clay tiles and fittings for more 30 years, applying years of experience to ensure that its clay tiles are high quality, traditional and aesthetically pleasing. Using traditional methods to craft tiles from UK-sourced top quality clay, Spicer Tiles produces over 200,000 tiles per month so each batch produced carries its own character with the makers mark imprinted on each tile. In such a modern world, filled with cutting edge technology and the latest in design trends, it’s surprising that so many of us are still craving a more traditional, ‘olde-worlde’ aesthetic, such as the one that Spicer Tiles creates. Yet the success of the firm is testament to the popularity of this look, craved by homeown- ers, builders, architects and property developers alike. So why are they so popular? Clay tiles, such as these, have been a reliable roofing material for centuries proving them- selves time and time again. Handmade clay tiles are packed full of character and individuality, so every roof installation is a unique and traditional one. These tiles are some of the last clay roof tiles that are handmade in the UK, utilising a British clay that offers the warm tones delicately threaded throughout the range. There is no shortage of clay roofs throughout the UK still providing good service - just look at Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford upon Avon, or Michelham Priory in East Sussex. Clay tiles blend easily and naturally with their surroundings and will last a lifetime. On versatility and pure aesthetics, few rivals come even close. It was back in 1987 that a young Andrew Spicer first discov- ered the secret of firing clay to produce a versatile and sturdy roofing product. Having been in the roofing industry for nearly 10 years, he was already familiar with the much-sought after fired clay product, however it took some time to perfect his craft, and many a microwave oven of his mother’s was ruined by his attempts at drying out the clay before firing, in order to draw out the moisture. Eventually, following years of trial and error, An- drew perfected the art and, along with his wife Jane, purchased a small kiln in order to start producing enough tiles to showcase to local tradesmen. Little did they know back then how much the business idea would take off. In just three years, the couple employed a further three people to help produce enough tiles to supply the local building trade, and they moved into larger premises in 1994, installing two All Fired Up Family-run Spicer Tiles has been manufacturing traditional-style roof tiles since the late eighties, so it’s no surprise that the firm has recently been awarded a place on the 2018 Winners Review Awards. S new electric kilns in order to produce more tiles to keep up with growing demand. By 1999, more than 30,000 tiles were being produced, requiring a larger kiln and a workforce of eight. Following a period of experimentation and trial and error, during which they developed a new kiln, run on sawdust, capable of reaching temperatures of 1050 degrees; the Spicer team grew and was producing more than 200,000 tiles each and every month. Hand manufacture still ensures that each Spicer tile is unique, and bears subtle variations in size, colour and texture of tiles that have been made in the same traditional way since the Middle Ages. The individuality of Spicer Tiles only add to the charm and old-worldly appearance of pretty country cottages, barns and timbered houses. Handmade clay Spicer Fittings to accompany the tiles also grew in popularity due to the natural similarity to old, original, existing fittings which were often hundreds of years old and un- able to be recycled. The techniques used in the manufacturing promote active weathering and the growth of lichen, coupled with the antique colours helping to disguise the true age of the tile. Despite their ageing appearance, modern kiln technology works alongside traditional crafting methods to ensure all tiles meet the British standard requirements.