nspired by one handmade terracotta tile being crafted on a mountainside in Andalucia, and a growing passion for natural floor products, Joss Thomas set up Indigenous in 1998. Despite his first order of terracotta being washed down the mountainside in unexpected torrential rains, Joss persevered and from these small beginnings, Indigenous has grown to become an innovative and reputable company within the natural flooring industry.
Initially based in an old ‘chicken shed’ in rural Gloucestershire, seven years ago Indigenous moved to its current premises in Burford, Oxfordshire. Armed with a growing, enthusiastic team and a 90sqm showroom, Indigenous began to make its mark. Customers are now able to view the entire portfolio in a unique art gallery type format with large wall and floor displays. Joss remains very much involved in the business and it is his ‘hands on’ approach which is at Indigenous’ core. He personally sources all products, working with manufacturers from all over the world to provide proven customer favourites, alongside something a bit different.
So where next?
The latest development is the opening of a new bathroom showroom situated next to the existing flooring showroom in Burford. Trusted brands are featured including Hansgrohe, Samuel Heath and of course, typical of the indigenous ethos, boundaries are also pushed with completely one-off pieces such as the volcanic river boulder baths from the Riverstone Collection.
