Tile tales: Exquisite Gifts By AJ
Giving new meaning to the word ‘versatile’, collectable art wall tiles by Sid Dickens will elevate any interior style.
In the 1990s, Canadian artist and sculptor Sid Dickens started making decorative wall tiles by hand. Thirty years later, these one-of-a-kind pieces of art are highly collectable and in demand across the globe.
“These beautiful works of art will elevate any space in your home,” says Amanda Ward of Exquisite Gifts By AJ, a beloved local gift shop on Merivale’s Holmwood Rd.
Miniature works of storytelling, the Sid Dickens tiles are crafted from plaster and finished by hand. From weathered crowns and antique keys to celestial motifs and vintage typography, each one carries symbolic imagery inspired by history, mythology, architecture, and personal memory. Limited editions and retired designs add an element of rarity, turning certain tiles into sought-after collector’s items.
Exquisite Gifts by AJ is one of the few places in Canterbury that stock Sid Dickens tiles, say Amanda and co-owner-operator Dave Taiepa. “We love the artistry and intricate beauty of these handmade pieces,” Amanda says.
While some people choose just one or two to display in their home, others build a visual story wall that evolves and grows over time. Collectors often choose pieces that reflect milestones, aspirations, or family traditions, transforming walls into curated narratives, which means that no two arrangements are alike. The huge variety of styles and colours makes the tiles highly versatile, equally at home in modern interiors or heritage spaces.
Drop into Exquisite Gifts by AJ at 54 Holmwood Road, Merivale, to see the Sid Dickens collection displayed in store.
