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Palace of Westminster
Encaustic Tiles
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When the Palace of Westminster was rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1834, Charles Barry shaped its grand architectural form while Augustus Pugin breathed life into its interiors. Among Pugin’s most celebrated contributions were the encaustic tiles, vibrant, intricately patterned, and rich with heraldic symbolism. Produced by Herbert Minton, these tiles transformed the palace’s halls, corridors, and staircases into a tapestry of cobalt blue, ochre, and burnt sienna, bordered by Valentia slate in the Commons and Hopton Wood stone in the Lords. Around 75,000 tiles were laid, each one a small but vital piece of the palace’s identity.
Client
Palace of Westminster Parliamentary Estates Directorate
Dates
2015
—
2025
Location
Westminster
Grade listing
Grade I
Fabric
Clay Tiles
Architects
Donald Insall Architects
A Floor Worn by Centuries of History
Time, however, is relentless. Generations of footfall, subtle structural movement, and well‑intentioned but imperfect repairs gradually eroded the floors’ splendour. Many tiles lost their crisp patterns; others cracked, loosened, or detached entirely. Past restoration attempts introduced mismatched replacements and coloured epoxy resins that disrupted the harmony of Pugin’s designs. When Minton ceased production in the 1960s, the challenge deepened: how do you restore something that no longer exists?
DBR’s Role: Preserving What Can Be Saved, Re‑Creating What Cannot
DBR was entrusted with the conservation of these historic floors, a responsibility that demanded both restraint and precision. The approach was deliberately selective. Wherever possible, original tiles were retained, cleaned, and stabilised. Where damage was too severe, replacements were crafted in collaboration with Craven Dunnill Jackfield, using traditional methods that mirrored the originals in colour, pattern, and durability. Even the surrounding paving materials, Valentia slate and Hopton Wood stone, were sourced to maintain absolute authenticity.
Craftsmanship Beneath the Surface
Restoration went far beyond replacing tiles. DBR carried out a controlled removal and re‑laying process, replicating the original mortar bedding techniques to ensure structural integrity and longevity. Each tile was handled as a historic artefact, not a construction material. Work areas were sealed to create controlled environments, protecting both the palace’s fabric and the public. Despite the complexity of the task, parliamentary activities continued uninterrupted, a testament to careful planning and discreet execution.
Bringing Westminster’s Iconic Spaces Back to Life
The restoration extended across some of the palace’s most symbolic spaces: the Members’ Entrance, Lower Waiting Hall, Central Lobby, and the Royal Gallery. As the floors were reinstated, their transformation was unmistakable. Colours deepened, patterns sharpened, and the visual rhythm of Pugin’s designs returned with renewed clarity. What had once been dulled by time now glowed with the richness and precision of the 19th‑century originals.
Honouring the Past, Protecting the Future
This project safeguards a defining element of the Palace of Westminster’s architectural identity. By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern conservation practice, DBR has ensured that these historic floors can withstand continued use while remaining faithful to their origins. The restored tiles now stand not only as a tribute to Pugin’s genius but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of Britain’s decorative heritage.
