On the tiles with Hambledon's Froyle Tiles - Surrey Creations

PUBLISHED: 14:37 21 October 2015 | UPDATED: 10:03 07 June 2016

From left to right: Erik Swenson, Ziad Kadri and Richard Miller

Philip Traill

Lovingly crafting tiles from their shop in Hambledon, Froyle Tiles have brought their hand-made creations  to the sets of TV programmes and leading restaurant chains alike over the years – though they’re equally as happy adding the finishing touch to a bathroom...

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine October 2015

***

Founded in 1982, Froyle Tiles is a specialist tile shop based in the picturesque village of Hambledon. They don’t just sell the ceramics, however, as every tile is also lovingly prepared and fired by hand in their kilns.

Led by managing director Richard Miller, who purchased the then struggling business in 2006, his enthusiasm for his subject is infectious and has also made him a popular teacher and volunteer for many years at both Art in Action and Art in Clay.

“As well as working with independent retailers and local businesses, past clients have included everyone from the BBC to restaurant chain Wagamama, as well as commissions from EPR Architects and ZMMA Architects for luxury projects in London,” says Richard. “The fact that so many high-end clients trust us to deliver is not only a source of pride but also illustrates our ability to create high-quality products.”

His team is completed by Ziad Kadri, who graduated with a degree in ceramics from the Surrey Institute of Art and Design in 2001; Erik Swenson, who joined in 2010, having completed a degree in ceramics in Washington State; and Dotty Miller, the pottery dog.

• Froyle Tiles, Unit 1&3, The Old Coal Yard, Hambledon Road, Hambledon, near Guildford GU8 4DR. Web: froyletiles.co.uk

***

Need to know:

Surrey Creations is a series by local photographer, Philip Traill, exploring people in their work environment, capturing the characters and what they do in a single image. Contact Philip at philip@traillphotography.com

***