Fireplace surround built with local slate

It began with the dust-free demolition of cheesy 70’s glass tile and cracked mortar bed and the repair and consolidation of the brick structure with a traditional scratch coat of mortar on lath. I then created this handsome dry-stacked stone fireplace surround with locally-quarried black slate and hearth to bring natural beauty and warmth to a family home.

Hand-tooled leather floor

Perhaps the most unique and challenging floor I can lay is composed of leather tile. These are vegetable tanned hides whereby every tile has been trimmed to size and bevelled by hand. The tiles are then sorted for thickness and colour to be racked and arranged in a harmonious manner on the floor. Several light coats of finish help protect this princely floor.

The result is a true pleasure to touch and behold.