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Tiles of the Month

November Tile of the Month

 

1 William Wise Country Life Tiles, ca. 187912 William Wise Country Life Tiles, ca. 1879Set of 12 William Wise Country Life Tiles, ca. 1879.  6 x 6 inch, made by Minton China Works. Thanks to AestheticAntiques.com for the images. Individual views of the 11 other tiles on the website.

Musidora and Damon

Musidora and Damon

Summer is fading, so why not a last remembrance? This 6X6 inch tile, Pattern #17437 in the TCC Database, is one of 12 in the Seasons series by John Thomson based on poems written c. 1725-1730. This is one of the three patterns that depict Summer in the series of tiles produced, featuring "Musidora and Damon". Four  paintings titled "The Bather" by William Etty illustrate a scene from James Thomson's 1727 poem Summer in which a young man accidentally sees a young woman bathing naked, and is torn between his desire to look and his knowledge that he ought to look away. The scene on the tile shows Musidora seated by the water, wearing a long, flowing dress. An image of Damon is shown, looking on from the back right of the tile. 

Boy and Girl Skating Maw Co

Maw Co Skating tileMaw Co Skating tile back

This 6 x 6 inch tile, pattern #18799 in the TCC Database, is quite appealing, with the boy and girl skating together while they gaze at each other. The tile back has raised letters for Maw & Co., Broseley Salop with the center having Floreat MAW Salopia. Likely produce.d 1870-90 and apparently one of a six tile series. No reference has been found for this pattern; therefore, it has a TCC Assigned Name. Additional information in the Database entry.

FLORAL BLUE-TINTED TILE WITH CORNERS

 

 

 

floral blue tilefloral blue tilefloral blue tilefloral blue tile

Maker is Henry Abraham Ollivant, manufacturer of transfer-printed, hand-painted and majolica tiles. Austwick1981, p. 140 illustrates this tile back marking #108, c. 1900-1906, using the letters C O V above ENGLAND. The pattern name is not on the tile; therefore, it has a TCC Assigned Name. Floral Blue-tinted Tile with Corners is pattern #19784 in the database.

The center pattern consists of a bouquet in cross formation with a variety of flowers and leaves colored in pastel shades of pink, yellow, blue and green. The long border motifs extend into the center space of the tile. This creates an interesting secondary pattern when tiles are grouped together for a large display. See the small and large diagonal grouping as well as the horizontal group of 9 tiles here.

Flowering Tree

Flowering Tree tileFlowering Tree set of 9 tiles

This pattern has a TCC Assigned Name with an unknown maker.
Printing on the tile back has Rd. No. 2194 plus the other numbers and letters:"U 285, No. K".
It is pattern #17791 in the database. 

This pattern is not complete with just one tile as we can see. There is a large main stem running off at the top and bottom of the tile, and partial leaves on each side. We may find other tiles with parts to complete this tree pattern. In the meantime we have put together a group of 9 tiles so that we can see how the side branches and leaves connect.

 

Feathery Leaves and Blooms

Feathery Leaves and BloomsFeathery Leaves and Blooms set of 4

This pattern is attributed to Malkin Edge and Co. through an additional Mark in a Geometrical Shape. 
From Staffordshire c. 1878-1900. It has a TCC Asssigned Name and is pattern #17845 in the database.

This brown-printed pattern is quite complex, and is a good illustration of how It is possible to consider more than one  center pattern on a tile. The lines could have gone outward to the two interlocking squares, forming an 8-point star around the center seen here. In either case the borders are made up of two stems with 4 leaves each and partial daisy-type flowers. The group of 4 tiles is put together as on display in a fireplace surround or wall decoration. We see how this expands the partial motifs of the pattern into complete flowers and joined leaf stems.

BLUE FLOWER HEAD

 

BLUE FLOWER HEADBLUE FLOWER HEAD 4 tiles on diagonal

This pattern was produced by Henry Abraham Ollivant, c. 1890-1908. An impressed name mark and a printed "c.o.v." are found on the tile back in addition to a partial pattern number. There is no pattern name; therefore, it has a TCC Assigned Name. It is pattern #18122 in the database. Ollivant produced many lovely tile designs, mostly floral. that can be seen in the database by searching for makers using the Browser tab.

The center consists of a single bright blue flower head. The ornate leaf shapes in the four corners with flower buds on each side add a wonderful Aesthetic tone to the pattern. The beauty of the design is even more apparent when viewing the diagonal grouping as would be used on a flat surface such as a wall or fireplace. It is interesting to compare this center blue flower head with the more complex treatment by Sherwin & Cotton in database pattern #18412 that was Tile of the Month in February 2021.
 

Crossed Bamboo with Ivy

Crossed Bamboo with IvyCrossed Bamboo with Ivy set of 4

The pattern was produced by both Minton Hollins & Co. (1868 - 1962) and Minton & Co. (1841-1873).  A  6 X 6 inch tile showing crossed bamboo stalks and leaves.  The pattern example is marked on the back with Minton Hollins & Co.  The second image shows how the pattern looks when the individual tiles are grouped together, and the bamboo stalks are also crossed between tiles.  It is interesting to note that two of the tiles in the group of four are marked the same as the individual tile; however, the two other tiles in the group are marked "Minton & Co".   See Pattern #17352  in the TCC Database of Patterns and Sources for more information and images of the two maker marks.

Sunflower Corners

SUNFLOWER CORNERSSUNFLOWER CORNERS 5SUNFLOWER CORNERS 7 across

This pattern was produced by Stubbs & Hodgart c. 1890-1900. "No 421", the tile pattern number is printed on the back. In addition the pattern has a TCC assigned name for ease in searching. It is pattern #19852 in the database.

This tile design is obviously incomplete on just one tile. The pattern has a large quarter of a sunflower in the lower right with a small, darker quarter sunflower in the upper left. The rest of the pattern is considered border, and it is filled with flowers. We have included a group of 5 x 6 tiles and another of 7 x 6 tiles to show ways the pattern could appear on a large display. The large and small sunflowers are seen in alternating rows surrounded by the lovely profusion of flowers.

Aesthetic Floral with Branches

Aesthetic Floral with BranchesAesthetic Floral with Branches set of 9

The pattern was produced by Sherwin & Cotton c. 1877-1900, and has hand-written Pattern No. 689 on the back of the tile. No reference has been found for the pattern; therefore, it has a TCC Assigned Name. See Pattern #18412 in the database.

The center pattern is found on a square tilted to diamond shape. The blue center flower head has white branches of leaves extending on all four sides on a black background. The border pattern is made up of four triangular shaped corners on a white background. Each display is a single blue flower on a stem with green leaves extending from each side. A grouping of this tile pattern shows a lovely 2nd pattern of four blue flowers pointing inward to form a decorative square backed in white. As you gaze at this grouping of 9 tiles, other motifs will be seen in black as the lines link with the blue flowers.

Brown with Oval Reserves

Brown with Oval ReservesBrown with Oval Reserves set of 9Brown with Oval Reserves -floral blue background

Tile, 6 x 6 inches. There is no information regarding the maker or pattern. No reference has been found for this pattern; therefore, it has a TCC Assigned Name. Maker Unknown. See pattern #19247 in the database.

The center of the pattern is a simple flower head with 8 sections surrounded by a Greek Key pattern. It has a narrow circular border with repeating small motif with scrolls. The oval reserves actually form a larger border around the center. Each reserve is filled with a flower with leaves extending out to each side. A motif of a stem of leaves alternates with the four reserves extending around the tile center. Each of the four corners shows one-quarter of the same flower as is featured in the center. The group of nine tiles together shows the center flower now appearing on both sides of the oval reserves. Shown is a printed brown version as well as one with a pale blue background and additional painted colors.

BLUE CARNATIONS

Blue Carnations tileBlue Carnations tile on diamondBlue Carnations tile set square

Tile, 6 x 6 inches, The tile back has no information regarding the maker or pattern. No reference has been found for this pattern; therefore, it has a TCC Assigned Name.Maker Unknown. See pattern #19714 in the database.

This tile features a brown printed carnation pattern with colors added. The blue swirls provide the unusual color for the carnations, and the sinuous narrow green leaves dominate the pattern with a monogram type of design.

The floral and scroll two-colored pattern set in each corner seems unrelated to the center carnations; however, it makes a striking secondary pattern when the tiles are grouped together for a wall display. See the two groups of 9 tiles here, one set on the diagonal to demonstrate the ways the pattern can be used.

Aesthetic Flowers And Scrolls

Aesthetic Flowers And Scrolls tileAesthetic Flowers And Scrolls 9 tilesAesthetic Flowers And Scrolls diagonal tiles

Tile, 6 x 6 inches. The back of the tile has the impressed Mintons China Works marks, and the printed pattern “No 2227”.  It has a descriptive TCC Assigned Name for ease in searching. See pattern #19218 in the database for more information.

The center pattern features an 8-petalled flower having 3 lines in each petal. Quarter flowers in the four corners repeat that design. A section with yellow background and scrolls as well as four additional blue-tinted flowers completes the center design. The border has elaborate circular scrolling in addition to the partial flowers.  The circular scrolling is dominant in the secondary pattern in grouping the tiles for a wall display. See the group of 9 tiles straight on as well as the larger diagonal grouping to see the interesting results.

Flowers and Fans

Flowers and FansFlowers and Fans set of 9Flowers and Fans set of 9

Tile 6 x 6 inches, aesthetic blue-printed pattern in 4 sections. Maker is Maw & Co. 1852-1969, Broseley, Jackfield, Shropshire. It has a TCC Assigned Name as there is no pattern name in the mark. See pattern #18267 in the database for more information. 

This is a pattern of alternating stylized flowers and fans. The flowers, each slightly different are on a light background. The two fans, on a dark background, have a differing number of small white flowers. The group of 9 arrangement has each tile placed next to each other as the single tile is placed. The result shows diagonal rows of flowers or fans moving both left to right from the top and right to left. 

The cut-up arrangement has a different focus putting 4 tiles with like background color together alternating like a tic-tac-toe board set up. The fan group is arranged differently in the middle spot for a looser effect.

"No. 111" Flower with Dotted Roads

"No. 111" Flower with Dotted Roads"No. 111" Flower with Dotted Roads set of 9Tile, 6 x 6 inches. Maker is Sherwin & Cotton 1877–1911, Hanley, Staffordshire. "No. 111" is printed on the back of the tile. It has been given a descriptive TCC Assigned Name for ease in searching. It is pattern #18585 in the database.

This is a complex pattern with a basic square diamond shape dotted road in the center with round bump-outs. The round arrow-shapes at top and bottom are part of that square diamond and are each filled with a foliated scroll. A small yellow flower aat the very center is surrounded on two sides with two urns with clinging vines. The roads are yellow-colored with dots so it can be seen that the center section is placed on top of the square diamond. More crossed roadways are produced when the group of 9 tiles is put together. The outer sections of foliated scrolls on dotted background form new light-colored large motifs that contrast with the dark pattern on a single tile.  

Purple Feathers

Purple FeathersPurple Feathers set of 9This is a 6 inch tile with maker unknown. The back of the tile has the raised letters ENGLAND on a grid telling us only that it was produced 1891 or after. This is a very bold pattern in theme and color. No reference has been found; therefore, it has a TCC Assigned Name. It is pattern #19427 in the database.

The pattern is made up of large, curved purple feathers surrounding small motifs. One motif hangs from the top, seemingly upside down with a long, narrow bud surrounded by scrolls. The lower motif is a flower. That flower is recreated by the narrow borders coming together in the grouping seen here of 9 tiles together. The top small flower is a repeat of the flower in the lower part of the center pattern. The grouping could have been too bright and busy to cover a large wall surface, but may have been used as a fireplace surround.

Stylized Fanciful Turkey #02

Stylized Fanciful Turkey #02Stylized Fanciful Turkey #02 set of 4Stylized Fanciful Turkey #02 4

This is a 6 inch tile with the maker, Josiah Wedgwood's name in raised letters on the back. It is dated c. 1870-1900. This is such an imaginative pattern in shades of blue and white that once you think it looks like a turkey, it can't be anything else! No reference has been found; therefore, it has a TCC Assigned Name. It is pattern #18281. There is a link to Stylized Fanciful Turkey #01 that has another way to use the idea behind the design.

In this design, there are four motifs placed so that the tails fan out toward the center. This pattern begs for completion on the sides and corners by grouping it with other like tiles for a display.  A diagonal group such as seen here places the lower turkey images upright as well as forming a new secondary pattern of a large leafy flower with the leaves from the corners. One can also see the now complete strings of 3 small flowers that were cut off at the sides of the pattern.

Wheat Bouquet

Wheat BouquetWheat Bouquet set of 9This is a very strong brown and white pattern on a 6 inch tile with the center section set in diagonal shape. The back of the tile gives no information regarding pattern nor maker. No reference has been found for the pattern; therefore, it has a TCC Assigned Name. Pattern #19246 in the database.

The center pattern features a vase with a bouquet of 3 stalks of wheat and their leaves plus curving feathery leaves on each side. The background has a tightly woven pattern in medium brown. The lower part of the vase resembles a fleur-de-lis. The border consists of a triangle in each corner with angled lines and a quarter part of a flower. It is clearly designed to form a secondary pattern when a group of tiles is formed for decorating a fireplace or wall. A group of 9 tiles shows the secondary pattern formed with the corners is as strong as the original center pattern.

 

Pomegranate Border

minton pomergranatemintons-pomegranate

This 6 inch tile pattern was designed specifically to serve as one section of a border pattern. The back of the tile has the words Mintons China Works impressed, giving the name of the maker. The dates are c. 1873-1891. See pattern #18718 in the database.

The tile itself has a border pattern on two sides only. It is a honeycomb pattern that has been cut in half with the two edges meshed together to form a honeycomb variation. The center of the tile shows a large, ripe pomegranate as well as buds and leaves that will fit together when tiles are laid end to end. A group of 3 tiles shows the pattern vertically, and a group of 5 shows how it would look as a horizontal border. 

Thanks to Connie Rogers and Kurt O’Hare for preparing the “Tile Display of the Month.”

 

Center Sunflower

The center stylized sunflower is framed in blue with radiating lines. The border has a large half flower in the center of each side. A triple layer outline encloses two groups of two small flowers in each corner of the tile. The pattern was intended as a large display on a wall or fireplace. We have a 9 pattern grouping that shows the completion of the side flowers as well as the creation of a secondary floral pattern of a square puzzle center with 4 petals, each having 2 small flowers inside. Putting the group in a diagonal position creates a more exotic secondary pattern with a diamond-shaped center inside the 4 petals. The center sunflowers and smaller completed flowers have formed a border to the secondary floral pattern. 

Center Sunflower  Center Sunflower    Center Sunflower

This tile is illustrated on p. 62 in vanLemmen1979: Tiles -- A Collector's Guide.
Although the name of tile makers Sherwin & Cotton is mentioned, the pattern is listed as Maker Unknown. See Pattern #19159 in the database.

Framed Oval Center Flower

This framed oval flower is old fashioned in concept, but aesthetic in the unusual elements making up the frame and the flower within. The border has scrolls and in-filled forms resembling some swags with stylized buds in the oval frame in the center. Tight rows of small beads border the frame of the center flower as well as the entire pattern. The shades of yellow and green in the center enhance the petals of the flower and the other 8 ovals in the frame. Examples are seen here of ways the tile could be displayed on a wall or fireplace. The group of 4 gives a different view of the flowers as the ovals are horizontal. 

 Framed Oval Center Flower TileFramed Oval Center Flower TileFramed Oval Center Flower Tile

Pattern #18160 in the database. Maker is J. H. Barratt & Co., c. 1896-1924, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
The pattern is found both in monochrome (brown in the database) and with color added to the center as seen here. The pattern has a TCC Assigned Name as no reference has been found for it.

Manhood #02

The pattern on this tile is one in a series of Ages of Man. A man is crouched in the field cutting hay with his scythe. A sun at the top and crescent moon with star at the bottom of the center pattern indicate Manhood works from Sunrise to Sunset. Although the pattern is complete in itself, an interesting wall display is seen with 9 in a group.  

Manhood #02 Tile Manhood #02 Tile

Pattern #18138 in the database. Maker is T. & R. Boote,
1842-1906, Burslem, Staffordshire
A diamond registry mark on the tile back indicates the date July 31, 1883.
T. & R. Boote registered a tile design on that date.

Red Flowers and Blue Urns

The pattern on this tile is formed in an octagonal shape inside the triangular border shapes. Four stylized red leaves alternate with blue urns, on the flat sides of the octagon. The borders meet to create a new blue square center in the group of 4 and the red flowers connect the two centers in a large X pattern. The blue urns connect the round centers forming squares. The diagonal tilt with 4 whole tiles and 8 partial ones give the entire pattern a new slant.

Red Flowers and Blue Urns Tile Red Flowers and Blue Urns TileRed Flowers and Blue Urns Tile

Red Flowers and Blue Urns. Pattern #17733.
"Patent No. 27120" impressed on the back for the shape.
The date is 1894 or 1904 -- not quite legible.
Maker Unknown. The pattern has a TCC Assigned Name.

Moorish Style

The pattern on this tile reflects the spirit of the season with exploding stars in the center and four corners as well as the partial snowflakes seen on each side. We see here a group of 9 tiles laid together horizontally. Also a 5 x 5 diagonal display. In a group, the partial motifs in the corners create a duplicate of the center pattern. The half flowers at the sides are completed and appear as snowflakes.

Moorish Style Tile Moorish Style Tile Moorish Style Tile

Moorish Style, Pattern #18897.
Josiah Wedgwood 1759–2005, Burslem, Etruria & Barlaston, Staffordshire
The tile is 6 inches and reflects the type of tile design production in the last quarter of the 19th century.
The pattern has a TCC Assigned Name. Black printed.