raMexican textiles
medieval setsquares

Inspired by the Medieval design and imagery in ancient English churches.

Having created SETSQUARES collections to briefs asking me to reference historic Mayan and Mexican architecture and design,  none of which have I seen in real life,  on one of my many visits to ancient churches in England it suddenly occurred to me that I should investigate the iconic imagery of Medieval design found in the ancient churches of my own country.
On that day, during a circuit of old churches in Norfolk and Suffolk, I was struck by the stunning ‘flushwork’ on exterior walls common in that region. This is the creation of typical Medieval patterns and shapes through the juxtaposition of black flint and white limestone.
On some floors in ancient churches it’s still possible to find original Medieval encaustic clay tiles with wonderful designs and imagery – religious symbols, heraldic designs and geometric patterns.  
I researched deeply into this imagery and my aim was to create a relief tile collection which  distilled the typical shapes and patterns, while editing some and simplifying others, to re-interpret the Medieval aesthetic with a contemporary dimension.
My designs encompass the two distinct shapes and styles of imagery I identified: sinuous curves and circles contrasting with sharp angles and geometry. It was an addictive project and in the end I made 37 plaster maquettes in total.

SETSQUARES CONCEPT
The concept, as in all my SETSQUARES collections, is for the tiles to be placed in multiple orientations, allowing many different juxtapositions of design.

BESPOKE COMMISSIONING
The designs are available to bespoke commission in lightweight concrete.
Clients are free to choose a selection of 6 to 10 designs for production.
Illustrated below are studio plaster maquettes.