Trent Tiles, Trenton NJ 1882-1939

"Sporting Cupids" by Trent Tile Co

 

New Jersey may be known for many things now, like Jersey Shore, Jerseylicious and The Sopranos, but in the late 19^th and early 20^th century it was known for its high quality tile. The clay deposits of central Jersey and access to transport hubs made the tile industry flourish. One of these companies was Trent. Based in Trenton, the factory opened in 1882 and employed two of the most talented designers of the time, Isaac Broome and William Gallimore. The quality was high and the company was very successful in supplying a product for all the Beaux Art structures being built at the turn of the century.

These tiles come from a fireplace surround labeled as “Sporting Cupids Facing” in an early Trent catalog. It was a group of frolicking putti floating through the air on a wind blown ribbon. Other examples of this group can be seen in Norman Karlson’s Encyclopedia of American Art Tile, Vol 1 page 185.

 

You can find these antique tiles for sale at BungalowBILL.com

 

 

Read Full Post »

Muresque Tiles

Muresque Tile 1925-35

California is known for their antique tiles. They range from bright and colorful to soft and monochromatic. The Muresque Tile Company worked in Oakland California 1925-1935. Founded by William Muir, who was a tile setter in his native Glasgow Scotland. The tiles made at Muresque were influenced by Batchelder and Claycraft, many of which were molded scenic images in soft engobe glazes.

This tile is very dimensional, with its deeply molded features. The hacienda has a deep overhanging tile roofline over the balconies. The stone courtyard has a cactus to the right and behind the house are tall palm trees and puffy clouds. This tile has he less common mark on the back of “Muresque Tiles Inc. 1001 22^nd Ave, Oakland Cal.”

 

You can find this tile at BungalowBILL.com

Read Full Post »