Historic church tiles go under the hammer
… and Julian Clary makes an appearance

DECORATED tiles that have graced the floor of Cirencester’s parish church for a century and a half will go under the hammer later this month.

Hundreds of floor tiles, which have been removed as part of a £2 million renovation scheme at the church of St John Baptist, will be sold by Moore Allen & Innocent on Friday, July 25.

Improvements will include a new under-floor heating system, an enclosed shop and the rebuilding of the stone floor using limestone flagstones of the kind found in the church before the last major restoration, in Victorian times.

Building works took place at the church between 1865 and 1867 under the renowned architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, a practitioner of the Victorian Gothic revival and restorer of many churches and cathedrals, including Gloucester.

The floor tiles were produced by William Godwin & Sons of Hereford, whose products appealed to church architects as they were very close in style to the original medieval inlaid tiles.

After 150 years of wear, the church authorities decided it was time for the tiles to be replaced from the main thoroughfares, including the knave and the north and south aisles, although they will remain in the chancel.

The tiles will be sold commission free by Moore Allen & Innocent at their Norcote salerooms, with all monies raised being put towards the restoration project. Each of the patterned tiles is expected to achieve up to £10. It is hoped the sale will raise thousands of pounds for the restoration fund.

Among the collection are up to 800 four-inch-square plain terracotta tiles and sixty each in four designs: a single lion, three lions, a chequered shield and a shield with six crosses.

Auctioneer Philip Allwood said: “The tiles have a real sense of heritage and history about them. The would grace any kitchen or bathroom and will appeal to collectors and interior designers.”

Although the tiles are the star lot at the auction, buyers will also be able to run shoulders with some television personalities as Celebrity Bargain Hunt, with Tim Wonnacott, is being filmed at the saleroom on the day.

Among the small screen luminaries buying items at antiques fairs and hoping to make a profit at auction in aid of charity are the comedian Julian Clary.

For more information about buying and selling at auction look on this website or call 01285 646050.

Some of the hundreds of tiles on sale.

Details on the designed tiles.