rts and Crafts designers promoted the acceptability of covering a large wall with tiles as part of a decorative scheme, the rationale being that tiles were practical, beautiful, and easy to care for. The most common use for tiles has historically been as surrounds or inserts in fireplaces, entrance and hall floors, and as wainscoting. But the uses for these most ancient of craft products are as diverse as the imagination, being striking displayed either singly or in a group as wall art, a plaque, or even as a hard wearing surface to the top of wooden tables or work surfaces. They even look attractive displayed singly on a stand. A well proven method was to utilise them as a decorative frieze, border design, or “spacers” in a bathroom, toilet, laundry or similar “wet area” where their ease of cleaning and water resistance is indisputable. Not only do tiles add colour and charm, but must be considered an integral part of any true Arts and Crafts interior or renovation.

Many pottery companies also produced tiles and these were used to accent furniture pieces - both interior and exterior, as insets. Gustav Stickley in America, used Grueby tiles in several versions of his wooden tables, and this association was introduced to the public as “a furniture marriage.” Art tiles were also highly popular in America, where between 1875 and 1920 at least 50 tile companies produced these particular type of tiles.

William de Morgan was famous on both sides of the Atlantic and his tiles proved especially suitable for fireplace surrounds. He was also credited with initiating a revival in Islamic inspired floral tile designs in the 1870’s.

Today reproductions of Art tiles can be incorporated into restoration projects or alterations to Arts and Crafts homes in many ways. Here in New Zealand, Arts and Crafts tiles, Art Nouveau tiles, and even Art Deco tiles are now produced and available at reasonable cost. The most popular tend to be art tiles and the predominant colour is Blue. (See our gallery of images or Contact Us)

For the connoisseur, an exclusive range of Alphonse Mucha Art Nouveau tiles in fireplace sets is available (ex-overseas) and we have included a selection of these in this section.