Comments on: Simon Pettet’s Tiles

By: Nick

Nick — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 09:10:06 +0000

I have just visited the house and had no idea of this story. The house was breathtaking but this only adds to the rich tapestry of character, dedication and skill that has been the mark of the area for centuries.

By: Jason Dowler

Jason Dowler — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 20:46:58 +0000

Dear Simon and Dennis, such fine and vibrant men and always such great company, were good friends in my Spitalfields years (1983-1988) and beyond and were frequent visitors to 37 Fournier Street where I lived with the late John Gaze. My tile is somewhere in that fireplace where I am represented by the scales of justice and a Greek lyre. John’s tile shows him from behind, sitting in a high wing-backed chair with just his extended right arm visible, a whisky glass in his hand. Happy faraway days.

By: julibelle

julibelle — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:35:44 +0000

I’ve kept pictures of these tiles in a pinterest account for a long time…but I knew little about them, only that I loved their charm and pleasantly personal humor. Very pleased to finally have a name for their creator and sad to hear he is no longer with his friends in Spitialfields.

By: Pamela Traves

Pamela Traves — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 13:20:15 +0000

The Tiles are So Beautiful!!????????

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:30:46 +0000

Dare I say, this mantlepiece and tiles should appear in ANY design compendium on the topic, forevermore. Even before I learned of the significance and creativity of the tiles, I was stunned by the lavish ornamentation of the display — and I’ll admit I am a sucker for the white/blue ceramics, staged on-top.
But, as ever, the story-behind-the-story wins the day. Can’t you just imagine the moment when
Simon decided — shazaam! — those clever drawings could be translated into ceramic tiles and further enhance the already-insanely-unique mantlepiece? As if the drawings hopped out of his sketchbook, demanding to be saved for posterity? And Madge makes another appearance.
Thanks for this heartfelt post.

By: Saba

Saba — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:13:51 +0000

Strong craftsmanship, an understanding of day-to-day life, and sometimes a bit bawdy — a description of both antique Dutch tiles and the tiles shown here. Somehow, this feels like a modern staging of a Shakespearean play.

By: Peter

Peter — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:17:30 +0000

A remarkable talent touched with humour –
they look just like antique delft tiles. A sad loss.

By: Laura Williamson

Laura Williamson — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 09:49:12 +0000

I can’t describe how much I love these tiles. Simon was a rare talent and thank you GA for sharing his fine work.

By: Poyntz Pauline

Poyntz Pauline — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 09:14:26 +0000

I am so passionate about tiles and so this blog was especially welcome. I would love to visit 18 Folgate Street and will surely make it my business to discover this treasure . What do I need to know?

By: Di Corry

Di Corry — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 08:55:32 +0000

Such creativity and talent. Thank you GA for sharing this poignant story about Simon…and for making the effort to climb inside the fireplace to find that hidden tile.