Born on the shores of the Mediterranean over two thousand years ago, the fascinating art of mosaic was developed and refined by the Romans who used it extensively throughout their empire. The word "Mosaic" derives from the Roman custom of paying tribute to the Muses (protectors of the Arts) with works of art adorned with coloured fragments. These fragments, known as tesserae, can be made from various different materials although the most popular type are stone, comprising all types of minerals and rocks; and glass, mainly consisting of coloured smalti (opaque glass paste) and precious smalti (gold and silver).

The creation of a mosaic work of art requires design skills, innovation and traditional craftsmanship using methods that have changed little over the years.