Antique Minton Tile of Classical Musicians by John Moyr Smith

An antique late 19th century Minton tile from the series ‘Classical Figures with Musical Instruments’ by the artist John Moyr Smith.

This 8 inch tile depicts a man in noble Roman dress playing a pair of symbols, while he lounges on steps within a beautiful neoclassical scene.

This tile is nearly 150 years old yet still showcases a clean condition. We are also selling further sets of tiles in the same design. Each illustration is hand painted depicting various types of classical musicians, but in eye catching colours.

Styled alone or as a collection, these tiles make the perfect decorative features for modern and period properties looking to add vibrancy and charm. Some tiles in this series include scenes from Shakespeare and one illustrates ‘Early English History’.

John Moyr Smith (1839-1912) & Classical Figures with Musical Instruments

This tile series titled ‘Classical Figures with Musical Instruments’ by Glasgow born artist John Moyr Smith dates to circa 1875-1890. You can currently find one example on display in the V&A Museum, London.

Made by Minton & Co, Stoke on Trent, these tiles were originally designed to decorate cast-iron grates that began to appear during this period.

These grates were specifically designed to be set with tiles, and pictorial tiles became popular for this purpose, and series of picture tiles, such as Smith’s, were produced.
The striking tiles we have available are a glimpse into 19th century England.

Smith, architect turned artist, book illustrator and designer, worked primarily for Mintons Ltd and many of his designs were used to decorate items at Minton’s Art Pottery Studio, London.