Natural Clay Colours - No Compromise

True clay colours are derived from the mineral content within the clay and produce a richness of colour on the roof that is unrivalled. 

The Dreadnought range of natural burnt clay colours is produced entirely by the sophisticated control of the burning process with no stains, pigments or coloured sands added.  This ensures Dreadnought tiles do not fade and will quickly attain a mature, mellow appearance in use.  All other tile manufacturers now use applied colours to save cost.  Dreadnought is uncompromising in the conviction that natural colours produce a superior appearance and more enduring appeal.

This expertise is contained in a tile works that was established in 1805 and has been developed by four generations of the same family management throughout the last century. Dreadnought are the only specialist manufacturer of plain tiles in “natural” clay colours both Smoothfaced and Sandfaced.

Artificial stains and pigments have now widely replaced the traditional kiln firing expertise that has for centuries produced beautiful products. The difference between natural colours and artificial stains is all too obvious when confronted with samples and it is still clearer when on the roof.   

Precisely the same raw material "Etruria Marl Clay" is used in the manufacture of red tiles as blue tiles, the different colours produced are wholly attributable to kiln control.  Varying degrees of oxidisation of the iron in the clay generate the different colours.  This is why Dreadnought colours can have an organic gradation of colour across the tile that works so well for mixed colour blends.

Dreadnought Colours are permanent as they are not the result of added dyes and pigments which fade over time.  The colour in a Dreadnought is embodied in the tile, the result of the natural colour of burnt clay material.