BURMANTOFTS TILES AND FIREPLACES

The buildings now home to Stanley Arts in South Norwood were originally designed and funded by William Ford Robinson Stanley—an inventor, philanthropist, and passionate supporter of education and the arts. Between 1901 and 1909, Stanley personally oversaw the creation of what became known as Stanley Halls, a unique complex that included a main hall, gallery, smaller performance spaces, and a pioneering technical trade school.

Stanley’s vision was to provide cultural enrichment and practical education for the local community. He drew inspiration from European models of vocational learning, and the trade school he founded was one of the first of its kind in England. The halls also hosted music, lectures, and art exhibitions, fulfilling Stanley’s goal of creating a space that combined utility with beauty.

Architecturally distinctive and technologically advanced for its time—it was one of the first buildings in Croydon with electricity—Stanley Halls reflected the eclectic and inventive mind of its creator. Today, under the name Stanley Arts, the remaining heritage buildings continue to serve the public, upholding Stanley’s original spirit of creativity, learning, and community.

The interiors of the buildings feature elegant glazed tiles made by Burmantofts, a renowned Leeds-based ceramics manufacturer. These tiles, found in the entrance, corridors, halls and stairwells, were chosen for both their visual impact and their hard-wearing, hygienic qualities—reflecting William Stanley’s belief in combining beauty with practical design.

The Conservation intervention prioritised careful tile preservation in line with heritage best practice. The approach emphasised respect for original materials, retention of historic fabric, sensitive reconstruction and setting of replica tiles where deemed necessary.

Tiles Conservation project lead: Ros Hodges ACR

Tiles Associate Conservator: Tiago Oliveira ACR

Graduate interns: Duncan McCall, Nichole Sayre