The Church Of St. Thomas, Fulham

The renovation of this distinctive Catholic Church floor was completed and opened to the public on Sunday 25th June 2006.

The Church was built in 1848 by the English architect A W N Pugin who was best remembered for his contribution in rebuilding the Houses of Parliament in 1834. His appreciation of Gothic architecture; which he believed to be the true Christian form of architecture, lead him to be associated with the popular Encaustic tile manufacturers of the period such as Craven Dunnill and Co and Minton Ltd.

View of the Sanctuary area in the Church of St. Thomas

Craven Dunnill Jackfield’s traditional handmade methods of production and extensive experience in restoration made them a key component in the renovation of this building.


The Parish sought to return to the vividness of Pugin interiors at their best and commissioned Craven Dunnill Jackfield to produce 830 encaustic tiles to be combined with marble to create a traditional “opus sectile” pattern in the main sanctuary area. A further 8600 red and black Geometric tiles where also made to pave the main hallways.


The Church now benefits from a beautiful new interior that has retained its original identity with use of historically accurate materials and techniques.

“The decorative scheme reflects the liturgical arrangements while, at the same time, bringing back into relief many of the qualities of Pugin’s work that had become diluted over the years, allowing it to shine with a new vividness.”  The Diocese of Westminster, 28th June 2006.