A striking late 19th century decorative tile panel attributed to William Godwin of Lugwardine, Herefordshire, circa 1880.

The panel comprises six richly moulded brown glazed tiles featuring alternating birds and floral motifs within circular medallions, arranged into a repeating Gothic Revival design. The tiles are housed in a substantial period-style wooden frame with an aged timber back and hanging loop.

William Godwin established his tile works at Lugwardine in the 1850s and became an important Victorian manufacturer of encaustic and decorative tiles, particularly designs inspired by medieval ornament.

An old label to the reverse identifies the piece as “WM GODWIN CIRCA 1880.” As the backs of the individual tiles are enclosed by the wooden backing, their factory marks cannot be inspected, and the attribution is therefore based upon the existing label and design rather than a visible maker's stamp.

A wonderful piece of Victorian architectural decoration, equally suited to an Arts & Crafts, Gothic Revival or eclectic interior.