California Tile

For centuries handcrafted tile has been a predominant decorative surface in tropical climes from Middle East through the Gulf of Mexico to California. California tile makers excelled in their craft during the first half of the twentieth century, producing richly patterned designs for building facades, interiors, garden ornamentation, furniture, and even serving pieces. "Old California" art tile is rich in tradition and innovation. Over 1700 color images in two volumes, comprise this comprehensive collection, with essays on early California tile companies. Arranged alphabetically by company, this volume includes hundreds of tiles from: Acme, Alhambra, American Encaustic, Arequipa, Batchelder, Brayton Laguna, Cal Art, California China Products, Calco, California Faience, Catalina, Cathedral Oaks, Claycraft, D. & M., Dec Art, Gladding, McBean, and Handcraft. Its companion volume covers potteries from Hispano-Moresque to Woolenius, with an additional chapter on tile furnishings and crafts from Cellini-Craft, Hillside Pottery, and Monterey Furniture. Both volumes are enriched by rarely seen archival photographs including historical site installations and have useful guides to tile terminology and techniques. This landmark publication, designed to broaden appreciation of this colorful and varied aspect of American decorative arts, will serve to inspire and guide architects, designers, collectors, and historians alike.