Tin-glazed tiles from London

Tin-glazed tiles from London

Betts, I., R. Weinstein

Tin-glazed tiles from London looks at the rich diversity of decorative tile designs used in the capital over 400 years. Starting with Moorish- and Renaissance-style designs from Spain, the book traces the importation of decorative tiles from the Low Countries and their eventual manufacture in London itself.

The early tiles formed spectacular multi-coloured floor patterns. Later tiles were used as a decorative wall covering, particularly around fireplace surrounds. These tiles often have the blue on white designs traditionally associated with the town of Delft in Holland and the motifs range from biblical scenes and mythological figures to sailing ships and landscapes, birds, animals and flowers.