2022 marks the 150th anniversary of Craven Dunnill & Co, the UK’s longest-operating tile supplier and leading specialist in the manufacture of traditionally styled, decorative ceramic tiles.
Its long history began with the construction of Jackfield Tile Works in Ironbridge in 1872, where its tiles are still produced today. Craven Dunnill’s long standing commitment to its craft and its products is clear. Original production methods are often used, paired with secret glaze recipes and hand-decoration techniques to ensure true authenticity, provenance and individuality in the tiles.
Craven Dunnill’s decorative tiles can be found in historic locations such as the Palace of Westminster, London Underground, Harrods, and Kew Gardens. In its 150th year, the company continues to combine modernity and tradition with its time-honoured production techniques to bring bespoke wall, floor, decorative art, casting and faience ceramics to life for commercial and residential clients through its Craven Dunnill Jackfield division.
1916 marked the beginning of a new lineage for Craven Dunnill when FC Howells took over the company as Managing Director. This role has subsequently been occupied by the Howells family for five consecutive generations; the latest being Simon Howells, FC Howells’ Great-Great Grandson.
In the 1970s, Craven Dunnill was a founding member of the Association of British Ceramic Distributors (ABCD) group, becoming one of the first UK companies to import and distribute wall and floor tiles from Europe.
Since the turn of the 21st century, Craven Dunnill has expanded into the architectural and interior design sector, supplying tiles and surfaces for specifiers with technical expertise and product knowledge.
