Today we are sharing a company with a rich British heritage and an understanding that tile is where “science meets art”. Marlborough Tiles‘ story begins in the 1930s in the Wiltshire town that gives the company its name where two school teachers, Sylvia Packard and Rosalind Ord, discovered that painting ceramic tiles was not only a shared love of theirs, but was one that could earn them a living.

Through the production of comissions and giftware the pair became known under the hallmark of P&O with prestigious customers including Queen Mary and Fortnum and Mason. Original designs still exist throughout the world, not only in homes but in private collections and even in the V&A.

After the war one half of the team sold her share to Hugh Robb who continued to alongside Ord to produce specialised majolica tiles under the new name of O&R. In the 50s and 60s the company began to experiment with colours, glazing, screen-printing, and enamel painting, producing a raft of psychedellic creations that became popular additions to wrought iron furniture.

O&R’s reach expanded, with designer Ken Barden creating a link between them and Wimpey homes with his panel designs that the tile company produced for Wimpey Builders. In 1961 Rosalind Ord retired and the company became the Robb’s.

To maintain their popularity and ensure the company stayed in vogue during the surge in tile popularity throughout the 70s and 80s, they focused on research into decorative tiles, attempting to stay ahead of their Italian and Spanish competitors. In 1999 the company was officially renamed Marlborough Tiles Ltd, paying homage to its roots.

Today the company maintains its hand-painted heritage, crafting unique, customised pieces. However they have also taken advantage of the popularity of porcelain floor tiles, and the quick and efficient tile manufacture of Spanish companies. To read more about their story click here.

Marlborough Tiles

A new post by Hanna Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, September 2020.