“London weeds” aren’t words that often inspire stunning images. But when put into context of the ceramic designs from Glithero, it’s easy to see their beauty. The company, composed of British designer Tim Simpson and Dutch designer Sarah van Gameren, produces a whole raft of varied and unique products.

The main aim for the pair when designing is to capture the creation of beauty in the right moment. Having met and studied at the Royal College of Art, it is clear their work is designed as an art form. They not only craft individual products, but also create installation work presented in a range of exhibitions and museums.

Their hand-made Botanical Tiles are created in collaboration with a team of Dutch craftsmen who use traditional, centuries old tile cutting and tin glazing techniques. To create the designs, plants and weeds are gathered, pressed, and stored in their herbarium. The pressing allows the specimens to be preserved until they can eventually be manipulated into a variety of designs.

These designs are transferred to cloth which enables the intricate plant motifs to be stenciled onto the tiles. Once glazed the tiles are strong and stunning. Mostly made in white and deep blue, the tiles bear a striking resemblance to cyanotype printing, though they can also be created in custom colours. They are suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms.

Due to the success of their Botanical Tiles, Glithero have also started a tile company (Botanicals by Glithero) where they offer commissions and detailed information on their creative process.

For Paris Design Week in September Glithero will be presenting their new Botanical Rugs, whose designs follow on from the methods of their Botanical Tiles, utilising the dried plants from their herbarium. Mille-fleurs will showcase this rug collaboration with La Manufacture Cogolin, and will be accompanied by their Botanical Tiles, and Silverware Vases.

Details for Paris Design Week:
La Manufacture Cogolin, 30 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris, France
Sept 5 – Oct 5 2019

Vernissage: Thursday, 5 Sept 2019, 6-9pm.
Press Opening with the designers: Tuesday 10 Sept 2019, 10am – 1pm.

Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday 10am – 7pm.
Saturday 11am – 7pm. Closed on Sundays.

Glithero
Botanicals by Glithero

A new post by Hanna Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, August 2019.