Pietra dura is a highly specialised art form, created with great precision, care and artistry; by inlaying highly polished precious and semi-precious stones into marble, the craftsman can create an image – a ‘painting in stone’. Thomas Greenaway is one of the very few craftsmen in the UK who has mastered the sixteenth century techniques of pietra dura. Traditionally trained by some of the most eminent old masters in Florentine mosaics, Thomas established Greenaway Mosaics in Northamptonshire. He has been producing beautiful pieces of this exquisite art form here since 2010.
From table tops to jewellery boxes and from coats of arms to wall panels, Greenaway Mosaics undertakes commissions for a wide range of pietra dura pieces.
Conservation work is an important and growing part of Greenaway Mosaics. Projects have included 16th century table tops, Florentine mosaics and marble artefacts.
Thomas completed the Coat of Arms for Richard III’s tombstone in Leicester Cathedral in March 2015. It has been a great privilege to work on this project alongside James Elliott and van Hayningen and Haward Architects. The shield is made up of 350 pieces of semi-precious stones.
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