This year’s Clerkenwell Design Week offered a few lucky visitors an informed, yet informal, tour of selected surface and tile showrooms. Our expert guide demonstrated why ceramic is the supreme surfaces option by introducing a small selection of cutting-edge tile designs in a range of chosen showrooms.   

Starting at VitrA, and finishing with the 12-brands in the Italian pavilion, our tours took in Swatchbox and some of the finest tile showrooms in Clerkenwell. This tour was an eye-opening experience, offering valuable material intelligence. 

It investigated the design impact of sinking inks and digital glues, and the effects of continuous pressing and rectification on the form and function of ceramic/porcelain tiles and slabs.  The tours also demonstrated the latest in slip-resistant surfaces, reactive glazes, anti-bacterial finishes, and much more. 

From timeless reproductions to avant garde designs, this guide helped visitors to fully appreciate why tiles are at the forefront of surface innovation, as well as being a most versatile and practical material.