Fresco Tiles – Matt & Plaster Glazes
Inspired by ancient frescoes, our Matt Plaster-Effect Fresco Tiles have a dusty, dry-looking finish. The satin surface recreates the character of an old frescoed wall. This process is unique to De Ferranti, and most designs can be adapted to a conventional glaze.
The collection follows a path through the ancient Mediterranean. Akrotiri was a Bronze Age settlement on Thera, also known as Thira or Santorini, with artistic links to Minoan Crete. Fira is the island’s capital and home to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.
Powerful earthquakes preceded the Theran eruption, dated to around 1600 BC. The eruption and caldera collapse reshaped the island, while pumice and ash buried Akrotiri and preserved its buildings and painted walls. Excavations begun by Spyridon Marinatos in 1967 recovered complete frescoes, many now displayed in Fira and Athens. Their saffron gatherers, plants, animals and maritime scenes inspired several designs here.
A similar irony followed the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Pompeii was destroyed, yet volcanic burial preserved Roman interiors and details of daily life that might otherwise have vanished. Together, Akrotiri and Pompeii inform the collection’s mineral colour, softened linework and weathered satin character.
Santorini’s transformed landscape has encouraged comparisons with Atlantis, described by Plato in Timaeus and Critias. Whether memory, myth or coincidence, the association adds another layer to the island’s fascination.
The Saffron Picker recalls Akrotiri’s saffron-gathering figures, while the Romana Floral Scroll interprets Roman painted borders. The San Marco product extends the story to Venice through a reproduction inspired by the patterned facade of the Ducal Palace, or Doge’s Palace.
These Matt Plaster-Effect Fresco Tiles may be arranged as fields, friezes or decorative panels. Explore painterly compositions in Frescoes & Religious Iconography. Samples and trial layouts help assess alignment, grout and tonal variation.
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.
Matt Plaster-Effect Fresco Tiles with a Mediterranean Story
The collection follows a path through the ancient Mediterranean. Akrotiri was a Bronze Age settlement on Thera, also known as Thira or Santorini, with artistic links to Minoan Crete. Fira is the island’s capital and home to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.
Powerful earthquakes preceded the Theran eruption, dated to around 1600 BC. The eruption and caldera collapse reshaped the island, while pumice and ash buried Akrotiri and preserved its buildings and painted walls. Excavations begun by Spyridon Marinatos in 1967 recovered complete frescoes, many now displayed in Fira and Athens. Their saffron gatherers, plants, animals and maritime scenes inspired several designs here.
A similar irony followed the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Pompeii was destroyed, yet volcanic burial preserved Roman interiors and details of daily life that might otherwise have vanished. Together, Akrotiri and Pompeii inform the collection’s mineral colour, softened linework and weathered satin character.
Santorini’s transformed landscape has encouraged comparisons with Atlantis, described by Plato in Timaeus and Critias. Whether memory, myth or coincidence, the association adds another layer to the island’s fascination.
From Museum Frescoes to Ceramic Design
The Saffron Picker recalls Akrotiri’s saffron-gathering figures, while the Romana Floral Scroll interprets Roman painted borders. The San Marco product extends the story to Venice through a reproduction inspired by the patterned facade of the Ducal Palace, or Doge’s Palace.
These Matt Plaster-Effect Fresco Tiles may be arranged as fields, friezes or decorative panels. Explore painterly compositions in Frescoes & Religious Iconography. Samples and trial layouts help assess alignment, grout and tonal variation.
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.
By Appointment
DE FERRANTI
South Park Studios - Suite 10
88 Peterborough Road, London SW6 3HH
United Kingdom
DE FERRANTI
South Park Studios - Suite 10
88 Peterborough Road, London SW6 3HH
United Kingdom