About this piece
back to topA set of six early 20th century tiles decorated Barrowclough & Sanders on a Minton tile.
In Neoclassical style, each 5 inch tile showcases classically dressed figures, musicians, and warriors hand painted in tonal blue with ochre coloured ornaments within a pastel green border.
An image from Cesare Ripa’s Iconologia can be seen in a central roundel, while the other comprise of sanguigno per l’aria, riforma, castigo, premio, allegrezza and desiderio verso Iddio.
Iconologia (1593) by Cesare Ripa is a book that marks the modern revival of interest in the world of symbols and images which writers turned into a new language, with only 5 editions ever published.
The book includes the widest number of images, offering a moral code, taken in the visual arts.
These tiles have remained in good quality condition showcasing their images of morality for over 100 years, now ready to be displayed in their new home for many more.
Barrowclough & Sanders
Barrowclough & Sanders was a well known stained glass company based in Lancaster, England.
Founded by Allen Barrowclough and Joseph Newbold Sanders, Barrowclough and Sanders’ work can be found in various churches across the country, including St Paul’s Church, Scotforth, where the west end stained glass depicts the Works of Mercy, dating to circa 1897.
Roman Catholic Church of St Saviour displays a stained-glass window at the east end of the southern clerestorey. The Barrowclough and Saunders also made the Arnside Peace Window Memorial, which was unveiled on July 10, 1921.
These tiles are thought to be the designs of this talented company on a Minton tile.
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.
