About this piece
back to topAn interesting 6-inch encaustic ochre and cream glazed tile depicting an architectural male mask by Maw & Co. dating to circa 1870.
This antique tile is an eye-catching collector’s item with its deep relief decoration and partial maker’s stamp to the back. It is an excellent example of heritage English tile making of the 19th century.
This tile is just one of various that we are selling that were formerly part of the Michael Blood collection. Michael’s collection was vast and decorated the walls of his magnificent Edwardian home.
Maw & Co. Antique Tiles
Maw & Co. was founded in 1850 by George Maw and his brother Arthur. Over the next 30 years, the business would grow into one of the most influential English floor tile manufacturers in the industry, Maw & Co. tiles decorating properties and establishments across the globe.
Initially based in Worcester, the business relocated to the Benthall Works in Broseley, Shropshire in 1852. Here they made their highly sought after encaustic tiles while experimenting with majolica glazes, transfer print, hand painting and relief tiles. In 1883, the business expanded, relocating again to a new premises in Jackfield.
At the end of the 19th century, Maw & Co. was one of the largest tile factories in the world, trading for a further 70 years before closing in 1970.
