Our story

Discover our story; where we began, our passion for craftsmanship and what our mission for the future is. We take you to Spain, where Casa La Siesta lies in the Andalucian hills, our tiles workshop sits amongst olive groves and our curated colour palette began with reclaimed tiles at the heart.

Our journey started in Spain…

… in 2004, when Bert & May founder Lee Thornley left London to build his award-winning boutique hotel, Casa La Siesta, in Cadiz. As a result of his painstaking work on the interior of this sensitively restored country house, Lee found that he had a natural talent for sourcing reclaimed materials and are rare antique fittings. He also discovered that this architectural salvage was much sought after by interior architects and designers and from here, a new project was born.

Bert in Spain

September, 2004
Our story started in Spain in 2008, when Bert & May founder Lee Thornley was building a boutique hotel, Casa La Siesta in Andalusia. As a result of his work on the interior of the property, Lee found that he had a natural talent for sourcing and using reclaimed materials. Inspired to share these special finds with a wider audience, he started importing reclaimed tiles to the UK to sell.

Lee meets Juanma

April, 2010
What began as a small online venture takes on a new life in 2010 when Lee meets Juanma, owner of a family business in Spain that had once specialised in making artisan encaustic tiles using traditional handmade techniques. The pair decide that the future of the company lies in making their own vintage-inspired designs, so the family factory reopens, and production begins.

Bert & May launches

September, 2013
The business is rebranded and officially launched as Bert & May in September 2013, and quickly becomes known as a go-to specialist supplier of handmade artisan tiles in curated colours.

First showroom

April, 2016
Bert & May's first showroom opens on Vyner Street in East London. Situated in a canal-side warehouse, it houses the entire collection and becomes the site of regular events and pop-ups. Click here to find your closest showroom.

At the heart of Bert & May lies a dedication to a simple, elegant aesthetic. We’re renowned for creating handmade artisan tiles, the brand blends original design with raw, authentic materials. Whether working alongside traditional craftspeople or collaborating with visionary designers and architects, Bert & May is committed to preserving centuries-old tile-making techniques while inspiring contemporary living.