About this piece
back to topA set of two 8-inch clay tiles by Minton Hollins & Co. (stamped to reverse) illustrated with scenes from Shakespeare’s 1593 poem ‘Venus and Adonis’. Inspired by Greek mythology, the poem tells the story of Venus, the Goddess of Love, and her unrequited love for the mortal and hunter, Adonis.
The one tile depicts Adonis on horseback with spear in hand, a bow and a quiver of arrows on his back. The other depicts Venus stumbling upon Adonis who is laid on the ground, his spear cloven in two having been killed by a wild boar. Each illustration is outline-printed and hand-coloured, framed with a decorative border that tie the two tiles together.
We are also selling further sets of tiles in the same design.
Minton & Co
Thomas Minton opened the first Minton & Co factory in the 1790s, becoming one of the most popular pottery and porcelain manufacturers of the 19th century.
Based in Stoke-On-Trent, Minton was at the centre of British pottery, specialising in earthenware, bone china and Parian porcelain.
In 1845, Thomas Minton’s son, Herbert, partnered with Michael Daintry Hollins to establish the tile-making arm of the business. Today, Minton and Hollins tiles are highly sought after thanks to their beautiful patterns and unique history.
