Handmade and hand painted by De Ferranti's exclusive artisans in Sicily, Neisha Crosland Floris tiles form a collection of 9 terracotta designs in 37 colourways, with different shapes and sizes.
Florals, curly geometrics and tendrils are applied by hand, at times guided by an intricate stencil. The maker uses a fine bristle brush to capture every detail. These tiles are further enhanced by their earthy, raw looking base - the glazed pattern on each matt finish creates an exuberant tactile effect.
'For this collection, I looked at Spanish tin-glazed earthenware, in particular pharmacy jars of 1450 and bottles, or Refredador as the Spanish called them, from the first half of the 16th Century. Some had lustreware glazes which I particularly liked.'
'There is a soulful old-world feel to the tiles, also reminiscent of 15th Century Persian and Chinese Ming 7th Century Tang Dynasty as well as 3300 BC Neolithic. I wanted the glazes to be as rich as 15th Century old imperial blue and 13th Century celadons, and the neutrals to have the softness of old Neolithic stoneware.'
About Neisha Crosland
Neisha Crosland is an internationally renowned surface pattern designer. In 2017 she was named an Honorary Fellow by University of the Arts London in recognition of her contribution to textiles and design. Since graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1984, her work has propelled her to the forefront of the design world. A Royal Designer for Industry, she designs products ranging from fabrics, tiles and wallpapers to home and fashion accessories.
For the story behind the designs, see her book LIFE OF A PATTERN.
Neisha Crosland Floris Tiles and Historic Glaze References
The wide palette of Neisha Crosland Floris tiles gives the collection unusual range, from soft celadons and porcelain whites to cobalt, Ming blue, rose, rust and yellow. Across
Ceramics by Neisha Crosland, Floris is distinguished by the way botanical drawing, curling geometry and hand-applied detail sit against an earthy terracotta ground rather than a perfectly uniform ceramic body.
The broader
Neisha Crosland collaboration explains how repeat, colour and proportion are translated into ceramic surface.
Studio Le Nid provides further context for the Sicilian workshop behind the collections, where hand finishing allows brushwork and glaze variation to remain visible. For a fresher, more openly botanical interpretation, the related
Botanica collection moves towards larger organic forms and watercolour-like colour.
Specifying Hand Painted Terracotta Pattern
When planning Floris, compare enough tiles to understand the repeat, colour range and movement of the hand-applied line. Different shapes and sizes can change the pace of a scheme, so set-out should be considered before installation, particularly at thresholds, wall returns, corners and areas interrupted by cabinetry or sanitary fittings.
Samples should be viewed under the intended lighting to assess the relationship between the matt ground, richer glazed detail and natural variation. Neisha Crosland Floris tiles can then be specified as a restrained patterned field, a feature wall, a framed panel or a more immersive tiled interior, subject to the suitability of the chosen design and installation.
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.