A History of Ceramic Tiles
The trend at the turn of the 20th century toward more sanitary hygiene, led to the use of ceramic tile in kitchens and bathrooms. Even subways were lined with ceramic tile in often distinctive styles and colorful wall murals. The J. & J.G. Low Art Tile Co. in Massachusetts and the Rookwood, Grueby and Teco potteries in the American Midwest became famous for art tiles utilized by architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, H. H. Richardson, and the Greene brothers in California. Mexican clay tiles such as saltillo and talavera were used extensively in the Southwest as colorful accents inside as well as outside the adobe architecture.
Tiles are now much collected and studied. Tile making seems to be undergoing a revival at present. Architects, builders and individuals seem to be taking a fresh look at tiles and how they can be used to enhance both interiors and exteriors of homes, public buildings and places of work.
As collectibles, tiles can be fascinating and a relatively inexpensive place to begin your hobby. One may specialize in tiles from a particular era, country of origin, color, subject matter, or maker. They are easily displayed in frames or incorporated into a wall or tabletop of modern tiles.
To see examples of different types of tiles, please go to A World of Ceramic Tiles.
The following links can give you much more information:
Museum of Medieval & Encaustic Tile. Illustrations of tiles from the 12th century through the 19th century. Excellent history of the development of styles and techniques. This is a commercial website for a company that makes exquisite reproductions.
Tiles on the Web - A good list of links on tiles.
The Official Calendar Tile Page. Wonderful collection of Wedgwood tiles made for the American market from the 1870's through 1929. Very typical of Victorian English tiles, such as Minton.
Michael Godwin's WWW Tile Image Gallery. Interesting website by a knowledgable collector.
Tiles & Architectural Ceramics Society. Britain's collectors' society is full of information and welcomes new members.
Pugin Tiles. A.W.N.Pugin, foremost architect and designer of early 19thc England. Tiles designed by Pugin and made by Minton.
Saltillo Tile Company. Located in Mexico and in Sante Fe, New Mexico. I've been to the store in Santa Fe, and thought I'd died and gone to tile heaven!
Association for International Display of Art A brief history of Delft pottery and tiles.
Attica Website. Lovely site
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