About
Where our story began
The story of Lilywork begins at Moravian Pottery and Tile Work, a living history museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
![Bestbudbrian [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/547ef98be4b01c408c262988/1579701643176-7MMAOBHPJ7KKP22L7ZB0/Bestbudbrian+%5BCC+BY-SA+%28https%3A%2F%2Fcreativecommons.org%2Flicenses%2Fby-sa%2F3.0%29%5D)
Recently back from a year in Turkey, Esther started an apprenticeship at the Tile Works in the Fall of 2005. Esther came to learn the Tile Work’s traditional tile-making techniques, as well as, to create work inspired by her love of printmaking, architecture, and tile patterns seen during her time abroad. Paul, meanwhile, was working at the Tile Works as mold-maker, ceramist, and teacher. One year later they were married and Lilywork Artisan Tile was born!
our very first designs
Today, we press every tile by hand in beautiful Old Lyme, Connecticut. Because every Lilywork backsplash and custom fireplace is made by a hand, no two are exactly alike. Every tile carries a story that lends meaning and authenticity to every surface they adorn.
Our tile is inspired by our love of travel and traditional design. Lilywork designs are not cutting-edge statements of current fashion, but rather a blending of what has been given to us by craftsmen and designers of the past. We strive to create designs and colors that have relevance across cultures and centuries.
Over the years, we’ve worked closely with homeowners, designers, and builders to bring their dreams and visions to life. Our clients come to us seeking something different and unique. We are ready to help you select the color, pattern, and texture you need to create a home you will love!
Esther Halferty
Esther developed a love of texture and pattern during her time at Hartford Art School. She gained the valuable perspective that art is meant to be seen, experienced, and enjoyed during her time as Assistant Collections Manager at the New Britain Museum of American Art. But Esther’s greatest inspiration has always come through travel.
“I’ve always been drawn to the layering of architecture, history, culture, and pattern you encounter when travelling abroad.”
Paul Halferty
A student of Legos and How to Draw books, Paul always knew he wanted to work in the arts. With his degree in ceramics from Tyler School of Art, Paul went to work for Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. Paul would spend the next ten years there honing his craft as mold-maker, ceramist, and teacher.
“If I had to link our tile to any one tradition, it would be to the skilled American nineteenth-century Arts and Crafts Era craftsmen. They believed passionately in honest craftsmanship, and the importance of creating beautiful, well-made objects that can be used in everyday life.”