About this piece
back to topA rare set of mid 19th century House of Commons octagonal tiles by Minton Hollins (stamped), and another with a green passant guardant lion from the walls of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Ex. British collection, this group includes four unusual octagonal white glazed tiles, stencilled and transfer printed with different symbols including a blue panther, a blue portcullis, a green lion and a blue monogram of the letters H and C – representing the House of Commons.
Dating to 1868, the tile depicting the green lion once graced the walls London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, removed in the 1970s during refurbishment works. Versions of the tile can still be seen among other similar tiles in the V&A’s lavatories today.
These reclaimed tiles are in good condition for their age, offering a rare opportunity to purchase a piece of British parliamentary and regal history.
Provenance: Hugh Grosvenor, ex. Eaton Hall
Minton Hollins
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.
