Tiles of Joy

A Community Art Work

Tiles of Joy is a community art project led by Jayne Wright of JAW Ceramics CIC. The initiative began as part of POW Thanet 2023, with a lively workshop involving 76 participants at Margate Caves. Since then, the project has grown into an extraordinary collection of over 2,000 tiles, created by the people of Thanet.

A Community Effort

The project has engaged a diverse range of community groups and organisations, including:

• Thanet Women’s Institutes (WIs), Guides, and Scouts
• Local schools and heritage groups such as RamsGreat Heritage Action Zone, Margate Caves, and Dreamland Heritage
• Nature-focused organisations like Monkton Nature Reserve and Wilderness to Wonderland, Garlinge Phoenix Garden Gate, Windmill Community Garden, Oval Bandstand
• Social inclusion groups such as Social Enterprise Kent, East Kent Mencap, Kent Association for the Blind, ARK, and Beyond the Page, The Perfect Place to Grow
• Arts and cultural initiatives including Margate Pride, Turner Contemporary staff, and Westgate Galleria

Workshops have brought together people from all walks of life, promoting creativity and community spirit.

From Vision to Reality

In April 2024, Jayne Wright established JAW Ceramics CIC to support the project’s growth, allowing it to secure funding and collaborate with local organisations. Thanks to funding from the UK Government through the Social Enterprise Boost Fund, delivered in Thanet by Social Enterprise Kent, the project has subsidised workshops and begun creating a Tile Trail across Thanet.

The Growing Tile Trail

Currently 11 tile sites have been installed:

• Albert Terrace Mews
• Broadstairs Town Shed
• Dreamland
• Garlinge Methodist Church
• Ramsgreat
• Seasalter St. Alphege
• Social Enterprise Kent
• The Shop Front
• Tiles of Hope Ramsgate
• Westbrook Bay
• Windmill Community Gardens

Innovative Connections

QR codes link to this website providing information about each site. To further engage visitors, collectible postcards of each site have been created, blending traditional seaside charm with modern storytelling.

Social Impact

This growing Tile Trail not only celebrates the creativity of Thanet’s residents but also strengthens community connections and local pride.

In the news

Follow the journey