About this piece
back to topA superb mid-19th century 6-inch glazed encaustic tile depicting the Lion of Saint Mark, designed by A. W. N. Pugin and manufactured by Minton & Co. (stamped). Similar tile depicting the Bull of Saint Luke also available under Stock No. 37043.
Dating to circa 1850, this antique tile is an excellent example of 19th century Minton works, depicting a winged lion bearing the name ‘St. Mark’ in buff tones before a terracotta background. The reverse is equally as impressive, clearly bearing the Minton name and marked ’21’.
Steeped in history, this antique English tile is an exceptional collector’s piece.
Minton & Pugin
To this day, Minton & Co. are considered one of the major pottery and porcelain manufacturers of British history. Established in 1793, the company was founded by Thomas Minton (1765 – 1836) in Stoke-on-Trent. Until 1845, the pottery manufacturers traded under various styles before adopting the ‘Minton’ name.
English architect, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-1852), designed many encaustic tiles in gothic and neo-medieval themes for churches and religious buildings across England and further afield. It is well known that Minton was the architect’s manufacturer of choice, commissioning the company to create tiles for one of his most prestigious projects: the Palace of Westminster and its famous clock tower.