Inspiring Mosaic Artists in England: Creativity, Colour and Community
Mosaic art has an incredible ability to turn fragments into something whole and beautiful. Across England, contemporary mosaic artists are pushing the boundaries of this ancient craft — creating everything from joyful home pieces and intricate portraits to large-scale public installations.
These makers prove that mosaic isn’t just for experts. Their work celebrates colour, patience, storytelling, and often sustainability or community spirit. If you’re thinking about trying mosaic yourself, their stories show that anyone can begin with simple materials and a bit of creativity.
Caroline Jariwala: The Queen of Joyful, Sustainable Mosaics
One of the most inspiring mosaic artists working in England today is Caroline Jariwala (also known as Mango Mosaics). Based in Bearwood, West Midlands, Caroline transforms discarded crockery, chipped plates, and rejected tiles — materials that would otherwise head to landfill — into vibrant, life-affirming artworks.
Her style blends her Gujarati heritage with Western influences, resulting in intensely colourful patterns bursting with energy and optimism. Caroline has covered her own terraced home in bright, joyous designs and creates public commissions, runs workshops, and has exhibited across the UK and internationally.
Above credit of Mango Mosaics (www.mangomosaics.co.uk), a snapshot of Caroline's 'Dancing with Life' exhibition and our personal favourite of hers.
What makes Caroline’s work especially encouraging for beginners is her ethos: you don’t need fancy materials or years of experience. With broken plates, basic tools, and creativity, you can create something unique and meaningful — exactly the approachable spirit we love at Box Clever Crafts.
Image credit mangomosaics.co.uk
Ed Chapman: Master of Iconic Mosaic Portraits
Ed Chapman, based in London, is widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest contemporary mosaic artists. He creates extraordinarily detailed and instantly recognisable portraits and sculptures using unexpected materials — from ceramic tiles and stone to vinyl records, guitar plectrums, and even biscuits (including high-profile McVitie’s commissions featuring stars like David Bowie and Dame Judi Dench).
Image credit of ed-chapman-mosaics.co.uk - a photo of 'Young Elizabeth' a portrait of the late queen made entirely of one Euro cents and an outstanding example of how many mediums can make a mosaic.
Ed’s work has an instantly recognisable style and has been exhibited around the world, featured on TV and in magazines, and collected by private clients and corporations. His innovative approach shows the storytelling power and precision possible in modern mosaic art, often with a playful or humorous twist.
For aspiring makers, Ed’s pieces demonstrate how everyday or recycled items can become extraordinary art — proving that creativity and patience can turn ordinary fragments into something truly special.
Gary Drostle: Creator of Bold Public Mosaic Art
Gary Drostle, a London-based artist with over thirty years of experience, specialises in large-scale, durable mosaics for public spaces, architecture, and landscapes. His site-specific works bring colour, narrative, and permanence to buildings, parks, and urban environments across the UK and internationally (including major commissions in the USA).
A former President of the British Association for Modern Mosaic and a regular lecturer at the Chicago Mosaic School, Gary combines artistic vision with technical expertise. He also creates sculptural mosaic pieces, often using the reverse paper-faced technique for weather-resistant outdoor installations.
Gary’s work highlights how mosaics can transform communities and public spaces, making the craft feel grand yet still rooted in the simple joy of piecing things together.
Image above credited to drostle.com - a picture of Gary Drostle in his studio.
Tessa Hunkin: Playful Community Mosaics and the Hackney Mosaic Project
Tessa Hunkin, also London-based, is a mosaic artist and designer known for her witty, imaginative, and community-driven work. Trained as an architect before turning to mosaics, she co-founded and leads the Hackney Mosaic Project, which has produced some of the most charming and characterful street mosaics in recent years.
Tessa’s pieces often blend humour, storytelling, and local flavour, turning everyday urban spaces into delightful artworks. Her projects frequently involve collaboration with local people, making mosaic a truly communal and accessible art form.
Image above credited tessahunkin.co.uk, a series of small panels for the children's zoo at London Zoo.
Her approachable style and focus on public, playful mosaics show how the craft can bring joy and connection to neighbourhoods — and how beginners can contribute to something bigger than themselves.
Other Talented Mosaic Artists Across England
England’s mosaic scene is wonderfully diverse. In East Anglia, look out for:
Carolyn Ash (Norfolk) — Creates bespoke and community mosaic projects that explore memory, place, and collaboration, often combining mosaic with paint and mixed media
Image credit of carolynash.co.uk and a beautiful floor mosaic she created for a family home.
Rebecca Amphlett of Dandelion Mosaics (North Norfolk) — Specialises in decorative garden stepping stones and sculptures using broken ceramics and recycled materials, with a gentle, nature-inspired touch.
The above and below image credit dandelionmosaics.com an example of Rebecca's stunning spherical garden sculptures!
Many of these artists run workshops or accept commissions, proving mosaic is a living, hands-on craft.
Why Mosaic Art Is Perfect for Mindful Making
What unites these artists is a love of patience, transformation, and turning fragments into beauty. Mosaic encourages mindfulness — focusing on one small piece at a time while a bigger picture emerges. It’s therapeutic, creative, and surprisingly forgiving for newcomers.
You don’t need a studio or expensive tiles to start. Many artists embrace recycled materials, making it sustainable and budget-friendly.
Ready to Create Your Own Mosaic Masterpiece
If these talented mosaic artists in England have inspired you, why not try it at home? Our beginner-friendly mosaic craft kits are designed with complete newcomers in mind.
Each kit includes:
- All the materials you need (no hunting for supplies!)
- Clear step-by-step instructions
- A relaxing, mindful project perfect for unwinding
Whether you want to make a colourful heart, coaster, or small artwork inspired by artists like Caroline Jariwala, Ed Chapman, or Gary Drostle, our kits make it easy and enjoyable.
→ Explore Our Mosaic Craft Kit Collection
Start small, create something beautiful, and who knows — your first piece might be the beginning of your own mosaic journey.
Have you been inspired by any of these artists? Which style speaks to you most? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media with your creations. Happy crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mosaic Art in England
Do I need any experience to start creating mosaic art like Caroline Jariwala or Ed Chapman?
No experience is needed at all! Many of the artists featured, including Caroline Jariwala, emphasise that mosaic is accessible and forgiving for complete beginners. You can start with simple recycled materials (like broken crockery) and basic tools. Our Box Clever Crafts mosaic kits are specifically designed for absolute beginners, with everything included and clear step-by-step instructions.
What materials do professional mosaic artists like Gary Drostle and Tessa Hunkin use?
Professionals use a wide variety of materials depending on the project — from traditional ceramic tiles and smalti glass to recycled crockery (as Caroline does), stone, and even unexpected items like guitar plectrums or biscuits (as Ed Chapman has famously done). For home projects, you can begin with everyday broken plates or affordable tiles. Our kits provide high-quality, ready-to-use materials so you don’t need to source anything yourself.
Is mosaic art a good mindful or relaxing hobby?
Absolutely. The slow, repetitive process of placing each piece encourages mindfulness and focus, much like the therapeutic approach many of these English mosaic artists describe. It’s a wonderful way to unwind, reduce stress, and create something beautiful — perfect for evenings or weekends.
How long does it take to complete a beginner mosaic project?
A small project (such as a coaster, heart, or small panel from one of our kits) usually takes 2–6 hours and can be spread over a few sessions. Larger or more detailed pieces, like those created by public artists such as Gary Drostle, can take weeks or months, but starting small keeps it enjoyable and achievable.
Can I mosaic outdoors or make garden pieces?
Yes — many artists, including those working on community projects like Tessa Hunkin’s Hackney Mosaic Project, create durable outdoor mosaics. Use weather-resistant adhesives and grout, and seal properly. Our indoor-focused beginner kits are ideal for your first few projects, but the skills transfer easily to garden stepping stones or outdoor decor.
Where can I see more work by these mosaic artists in England?
You can visit Caroline Jariwala’s website (Mango Mosaics), Ed Chapman’s gallery site, Gary Drostle’s studio page, or Tessa Hunkin’s Hackney Mosaic Project for photos and project details. Many also exhibit in galleries, run workshops, or have public installations across London, the West Midlands, and beyond.
What’s the best way for a complete beginner to get started with mosaic art?
Start small, choose a simple design, and use a beginner-friendly kit that includes all the supplies and instructions. This removes the overwhelm of gathering materials and lets you focus on the fun, creative part. Once you’ve completed one project, you’ll feel confident to experiment further — perhaps even trying styles inspired by the artists above.
