Historic England has published a fascinating booklet with a walking trail around the city centre focusing on Coventry’s wonderful heritage of tiles and mosaics. The 26 page booklet ranges from the medieval tiles, originally from the Benedictine Priory, up to post-war mosaics commissioned as part of the redevelopment of the city centre.
The booklet was published as part of the Coventry Heritage Action Zone. The trail was compiled by Lesley Durbin, an expert and author about architectural tiles. She is the Senior Conservator in the Jackfield Conservation Studio, based at Jackfield Tile Museum in Ironbridge. She has worked in the conservation of architectural ceramics for over thirty years.
The trail includes eighteen works of art, starting from the Coventry Railway Station. As well as tile work, the trail includes the Mitchell Panels from Hertford Street and the Aztec frieze from Bull Yard. Some of the works of art have been relocated from their original locations, including the Cullen Tiles in the Lower Precinct and the Headley Lewis mosaics, now in the Ikea Car Park. The Martyr’s mosaic and Tenant’s Godiva Clock, both on Broadgate House, are also featured as is the tile decoration of the former Locarno Ballroom.
The booklet is available from the Herbert Museum and amazingly it is free of charge! Alternatively you can download the booklet here.