This week, Telford’s MP, Lucy Allan was given a tour of the Craven Dunnill tile factory based in Jackfield, Telford.
Craven Dunnill & Co. Ltd was founded by Henry Powell Dunnill in 1872 in Jackfield, Shropshire and is the oldest surviving purpose built tile factory in the world.
The Jackfield factory is also part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, a World Heritage Site at the heart of Britain’s Industrial Revolution.
Today, the company is the leading manufacturer of traditionally-styled, decorative tiles for projects all over the World, including restoring the floors of the Palace of Westminster to their former glory.
During the tour, Lucy Allan was shown around the factory and was even able to paint one of the many tiles produced by hand each day.
Lucy Allan said:
“It was truly remarkable to see traditional craftsmanship in action, manufacturing each tile by hand.
“As the local MP, it is a great honour to have one of our local businesses being awarded a contract to replace the Victorian floor tiles in Parliament.
“It was a fascinating experience to tour the factory and I wish Craven Dunnill all the success in the future.”