WHAT’S NEW?
LONGSTANDING TILE FACTORY AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO NEW
3D TECHNOLOGIES In an effort to embrace 3D technologies to tailor its heritage tile-making skills to the requirements of contemporary installations, ceramic tile producer Craven Dunnill Jackfield has secured funding for new 3D digital research.
Craven Dunnill Jackfield, established in 1872, has teamed up with the Centre for Fine Print Research at University of West of England (UWE Bristol) in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and has secured funding for the 27-month project.
Having manufactured tiles for over 140 years, Craven Dunnill Jackfield is well-known for its traditional tile-making skills, producing handcrafted tiles for major restoration projects such as The Palace of Westminster, St. George’s Hall in Liverpool and London Underground.
In recent years, its unique skill- set has also been successfully applied to creating contemporary ceramic installations, such as the vast murals at the Olympic Park and manufacturing ornate, three- dimensional wall tiles for the
hospitality sector. Award-winning projects include faience bar fronts for the Blues Kitchen chain of bars and feature walls for Jamie Oliver’s Barbecoa. It is this appetite for combining the appeal of heritage tile manufacture with contemporary installations which has inspired this unique KTP programme.
Craven Dunnill Jackfield prides itself on the authenticity of the tiles it produces for restoration projects, which emulate those of the Victorian era. Whether encaustic, geometric or relief tiles, it continues to use many production techniques that date back to the late 19th century. These include hand-modelling and the use of original master moulds, over a hundred years old, to ensure the true underlying shape of a tile is reproduced, despite thick, uneven glazes and crazed surfaces.
Adrian Blundell, Production Director at Craven Dunnill Jackfield is heading up the KTP, working
alongside Dr David Huson and Dr Peter Walters at UWE Bristol, to develop and implement 3D scanning and printing technologies which will complement the handmade nature of the product.
Adrian said: “3D technology is well-developed but with limited applications in product sectors such as period tile production, where inconsistency and hand- made characteristics are both fundamental and desirable. Working with UWE Bristol our aim is to unlock its potential, in so doing transforming the productivity of our design and modelling processes, and significantly reducing lead times from months to weeks.”
The KTP is due to commence September 2018 at Craven Dunnill Jackfield’s two manufacturing sites in Ironbridge, Shropshire, and Burslem, Staffordshire.
www.cdjackfield.com
WALLS AND FLOORS STRENGTHENS SUPPORT WITH NEW APPOINTMENTS
Walls and Floors has appointed Jason West as its Wholesale and Distribution Area Sales Manager for the South Wales and M4 Corridor areas. This move comes as part of the company’s plans to strengthen its Wholesale and Distribution support in all regions throughout the UK.
Left: Pete Brambleby – Wholesale and Distribution National Sales Manager. Right: Jason West
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Jason, who has over 20 years’ experience in the tiling industry, will be on hand to assist retailers, merchants and resellers in these key areas, and will continue to extend Walls and Floors’ renowned and personable customer service.
www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk
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