Carving with intent

Hand-carved tiles that elevate spaces inside and out.

At the heart of Alchemy Tiles is Mel Chambers, a maker whose dedication to an ancient craft has set her apart from the world of homogenised interiors. Specialising in encaustic tiles, Mel revives a technique that dates back to the 13th century, where designs are carved and inlaid rather than painted. This method, rarely practised today, ensures each piece is both durable and imbued with character. While encaustic tiles are often associated with restoration work, Mel has extended their relevance, applying the technique to contemporary spaces where longevity and individuality matter.

Operating as a sole trader under Alchemy Tiles, Mel brings every project to life herself. From design to installation, her process is hands-on, ensuring consistency and an attention to detail that clients value. The tiles are not standardised; each is crafted to fit the intended space precisely, creating installations that feel integral to their surroundings rather than imposed upon them. This personal approach has led to recognition, with Alchemy Tiles winning “Best Handcrafted Tile Company” at the SME Southern Enterprise Awards five times and securing another nomination for 2025.

Collaboration plays a central role in Mel’s work. She approaches every commission as a dialogue, encouraging clients to contribute their ideas and emotions to the design process. This results in tiles that not only decorate, they tell stories, carrying a resonance that mass-produced alternatives cannot replicate. Whether enhancing a courtyard, a bathroom, or a feature wall, the installations hold a sense of permanence, their beauty enduring much like the medieval examples that continue to inspire her.

Mel’s passion lies in transformation: taking a blank wall or floor and reimagining it through the lens of craftsmanship. The outcome is as much about the process as the finished surface, each project bearing the marks of collaboration, skill and care. For those seeking more than decoration, Alchemy Tiles offers an encounter with a craft that still has the power to surprise and delight.

Alchemy Tiles
Sampys Hill,
Mawnan Smith,
Falmouth TR11 5RW
info@melchambers.com
07768 193848
www.alchemytiles.com