Turning renowned artist James Lambert’s vision into reality across eight West End locations wasn’t just another printing job—it was a masterclass in precision, collaboration, and the power of bespoke ceramic artwork.
When Westminster City Council launched their ambitious £12.7 million public toilet upgrade programme, they knew they needed something extraordinary. Working alongside H&E Smith, we were commissioned to handle one of the most challenging aspects: transforming James Lambert’s site-specific designs into permanent ceramic installations that would celebrate London’s rich heritage.
James Lambert didn’t just create generic artwork for these facilities. Each design was carefully crafted to reflect the unique character and landmarks of its specific West End location. But here’s where it gets interesting—translating artistic vision onto ceramic requires more than just printing. It demands precision tile printing expertise that few companies can deliver.
The challenge? Lambert’s intricate designs needed to maintain their artistic integrity while meeting the demanding durability requirements of busy central London public facilities. We’re talking about installations that would face constant use, cleaning, and the unpredictable British weather.
Our role went far beyond basic printing. We worked with Westminster Blue tiles—a specific colour requirement that needed perfect consistency across every single installation. Getting colour matching right isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring that Lambert’s artistic vision translates exactly as intended, whether you’re viewing it in the morning light at Piccadilly or under evening streetlamps near Covent Garden.
The technical precision required was immense. Each tile needed to complement its neighbours seamlessly, and every installation needed to match the others across the programme. One inconsistent batch could have compromised the entire artistic concept.
This wasn’t a project we could tackle in isolation. We worked hand-in-hand with James Lambert, H&E Smith, and Westminster City Council throughout the process. Our bespoke ceramic artwork expertise meant we could advise on how designs would translate to the tile format while maintaining their impact and meaning.
What made this special? We didn’t just print what we were given. We collaborated to optimise each design for the ceramic medium, ensuring Lambert’s artistic vision would not only survive but thrive in its permanent ceramic form.
As Mark Wood, Director of Digital Ceramics, explains: “This project demonstrates our capability to handle complex, high-profile printing commissions that require both technical precision and artistic sensitivity. Working with James Lambert’s designs has been tremendously rewarding, taking a specific approach to colour matching and firing methods to achieve the perfect result.”
With Victoria Embankment now complete and seven more installations progressing, these spaces are becoming exactly what Westminster envisioned—areas of genuine civic pride that celebrate London’s heritage while serving the practical needs of millions of visitors and residents.
The real measure of success? These aren’t just functional facilities anymore. They’re destinations that showcase how thoughtful design and precision tile printing expertise can transform everyday public spaces into something genuinely special.
Planning a project that needs both artistic vision and technical precision? Whether it’s public art installations, commercial spaces, or bespoke residential work, our precision printing and colour matching expertise can help bring your vision to life.
Ready to explore what’s possible? Contact Digital Ceramics today to discover how we can collaborate on your next project.
Talk to us today and find out how we can transform a project of any scale into an exciting visual experience.
