BERT AND MAY: ROUGH LUXE
Photograph: Veronica Rodriguez
I've received a few queries lately about where the hexagonal tiles used in this shot are from so I thought I'd give you a little introduction to the makers, Bert and May.
I first came across the name when working on a shoot with the photographer Chris Snook. The house we were in had the most beautiful tiles in the bathroom and he instantly recognised them as being by Bert and May as he has worked closely with them on a few projects. Upon further investigation I discovered that there is a lot more to Bert and May than just tiles...
The business originally began in Spain in 2004 as a reclaimed tile company, founded by former barrister Lee Thornley. Over the next few years it grew to include other reclaimed fittings such as staircases, doors and railings as Thornley's reputation for sourcing antique materials spread throughout the architectural and interior design industry.
Photograph courtesy Bert & May
In 2010 Thornley met Juan Menacho, an artisan who was the owner of a small, family business making encaustic tiles. They teamed up and began producing their own handmade designs, supplying a fast-growing demand.
Having rebranded and relaunched as Bert & May in 2013, the company expanded once again and, as well as adding engineered wood to its repertoire, opened its first showroom in London's Bethnal Green.
“Raw materials such as aged brass, marble and concrete are used to stunning effect in units, worktops and fittings.”
This year has seen the launch of a range of bespoke kitchens and bathrooms, created in collaboration with designers and architects. Raw materials such as aged brass, marble and concrete are used to stunning effect in units, worktops and fittings. When I saw this island, with its hand-polished brass doors and marble top it was love at first sight! The timber doors (stained black, just one of 55 possible colours from which to choose) are a sight for sore eyes, taking rustic style up a notch.
Photograph courtesy of Bert & May
Brass is a big interior trend at the moment and makes a particularly bold statement when used in large areas. These show-stopping doors, below, are made by wrapping brass metal sheets around birch ply which is then lacquered and hand-polished to your specific shade of gold. Yes, really.
Photograph courtesy of Bert and May
If you love a bit of rough luxe - and, let's face it, who doesn't? - then Bert and May is right up your street. Well, Vyner Street actually. How's that for a slice of fried gold?
Kx
BERT AND MAY, 67 VYNER STREET, LONDON E2 9DQ
0203 673 4264 | bertandmay.com