While we often associate mosaic tile art with big cities such as London, Manchester & Birmingham. However, there is another that is not too far from home. Exeter is a city that is bursting with history but is best known for its Roman heritage.

Many artistic mosaic tile designs are displayed within the city. Some of which date back to the times of ancient Rome.

Mosaics were a design staple for the Roman Empire, used to decorate the walls and floors of villas, bathhouses and other structures. Centuries later, mosaic tiles remain one of the most popular design choices.

So it’s no surprise that Exeter lives up to its Roman roots with several unique mosaics displayed across the city centre.

Roman mosaics

Where to find it: On display in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Queen Street.

In the days of ancient Rome, Exeter was a Roman legionary fortress (later turned town) called Isca Dumnoniorum. It was established around 50 AD when the Romans first arrived in the Southwest of what was then known as ‘Britannia’.

Remains of the city’s stone walls once used to keep the then town safe, can still be seen today.

Remains of mosaic tiled flooring have since been unearthed by archaeologists. This mosaic dates back to the early fourth century and came from a townhouse on what is now Catherine Street.

Believed to have made up the floor of a corridor, this mosaic is considered one of the most elaborate in Great Britain.

Centuries later these delicate and intricate patterns are admired as works of art. The true beauty of traditional mosaics is showcased through this unique style.

If you ever find yourself in the Exeter area, be sure to check out this unique piece of history.

St Thomas’ Pigeon Mosaic

Where to find it: Under St Thomas Train Station Bridge, Cowick Street

Heading across the River Exe is another mosaic tile design with a history of its own. Located on the walls of the pedestrian tunnel under the St Thomas train station, Cowick Street, it is dedicated to both the steam and high-speed train era.

Dating back to 1990, this mosaic mural was created by Elaine M Goodwin along with five other people. This particular mosaic artwork was sponsored by Exeter City Council and British Rail.

It depicts both a steam engine and InterCity train along with Isambard Kingdom Brunel – who brought the railway to Exeter. Along with colourful mosaics, and pictured pedestrians, it also showcases a unique story in Exeter’s history.

The far left of the wall has a mosaic dedicated to Mary – an Exeter carrier pigeon who served in WW2.

Mary is one tough pigeon! During her five years of service, she required 22 stitches for wounds she sustained upon her return from France.

In 1942, she was attacked by a hawk whilst carrying a message, needing 7 stitches. The same year, a bomb damaged the basket in her loft. 

Then, 5 months later she was shot in the wing by a shotgun, luckily the pellets were soon removed. When she went missing for 10 days, she was found in a field with wounds to her head and back. Her owner, Charlie Brewer, an Exeter cobbler, made a leather collar to support her head.

She became 1 of only 32 pigeons to receive the Dicken Medal. This was in appreciation of her services between occupied France & England from 1940-45. Numerous pigeons join Mary across this inspiring mosaic.

City Wall Mosaic

Where to find it: Broadwalk House, Southernhay West

Elaine M Goodwin is a worldly renowned mosaic artist having a massive impact on Exeter’s art culture. She initially started with mainstream art forms, studying sculpture and photography at Exeter College of Art in the early 1970s.

Elaine fell in love with the art form on a visit to the second-century AD Roman villa in Spain. She then spent the next ten years travelling around the Mediterranean, studying the history of mosaics and learning various techniques.

Since then Elaine has become a well-known mosaic artist with a career spanning five decades. Her masterpieces can be found across Exeter and the Cornwall’s Eden Project.

Since 2016, she lives in France, where she continues to exhibit frequently across Europe and the rest of the world.

This particular piece is located in the walkway of Broadwalk House, in the Princesshay area. Completed in 1995, the mosaic depicts the Garden of Livia in Naples from the time of Augustus.

This beautiful mosaic blends an array of colourful shapes and borders. Each bird within the Garden has its own distinct colours and features.

The delicate precision of these pieces showcases Elaine’s sheer talent for creating unique and beautiful mosaic tile designs. Its location can make it easy to miss, especially from a tourist perspective.

If anything this understates how stunning this artwork is, so be sure to check it out for yourself upon your visit to Exeter.

Special thanks to Exeter Memories