Esk & Tide is located in the centre of Whitby, appearing at curated artisan markets and operating our very own harbour-side display. We love meeting people in person to discuss our craft, so do pop by to say hello. Full details and locations coming very soon.
For direct inquiries, message John on WhatsApp at 07832840024
Answer: Every single shard is hand-foraged right here in Whitby, North Yorkshire. We love hunting along Tate Hill Sands at low tide, where the sea washes up beautifully tumbled fragments. However, our search doesn't stop at the beach; we also forage further inland, sourcing unique pieces from hidden hotspots and historic Victorian dumps where decades of local history lie buried.
Answer: Yes! The vast majority of the blue-and-white fragments we find are genuine historical shards, often dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Because they have been tumbled by the North Sea and river tides for decades, they have beautifully softened edges and a completely unique patina.
Answer: Absolutely! We love bringing custom ideas to life. Whether you want a specific animal, a portrait, or a meaningful symbol, we can collaborate on a design. Please WhatsApp John to discuss your idea and get a quote: 07832840024
Extremely carefully! We have extensive experience shipping delicate glass and ceramic art, ensuring every piece arrives safely. That said, we're always happiest when customers can collect their artwork in person—it gives us the chance to meet the people who will treasure it. If you live in Yorkshire, we're also happy to arrange personal delivery where possible.
Answer: Because the art is sealed behind glass in a shadowbox frame, caring for it is simple. Just wipe the glass and wooden frame with a soft, microfiber cloth. Keep the frame out of direct, harsh sunlight and high-humidity areas (like bathrooms) to preserve the backing board and mounting adhesives over time.
Our little coastal town is home to countless mysteries and secrets. Whitby is not merely the birthplace of Dracula—it is home to a tremendously rich history.
The moors around the town are peppered with Bronze Age burial mounds, ancient ritual stones, and Neolithic spearheads. Our beaches don’t just churn up pottery, but some of the most remarkable fossils in the country: giant ancient crocodiles, ichthyosaurs, and even dinosaur footprints. Beneath the waves, the local sea holds more than 200 known shipwrecks, all lost over the last two centuries alone.
Meanwhile, our glorious abbey—standing strong for nearly 1,000 years—encompasses the lesser-known ruin of the Church of St Peter, built 1,400 years ago. Early writings suggest its founder, King Oswy, may still be buried beneath its foundations today.
There is a magic in this town that makes it unlike any other—a beautiful, strange, and ancient magic. It inspires us to create today, just as it has inspired so many before us.
