V&A
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TILE COLLECTION

The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s leading museum of art and design. The V&A’s collections are as stunning as they are varied, with over two million objects and designs providing almost infinite sources of inspiration from many centuries and countries. The Ceramics gallery includes some of the finest examples of European tiles from the medieval period to the present day. In particular, there is a strong collection of Arts and Crafts designs by well-known leaders of the Movement: William Morris, William De Morgan and Lewis F. Day; whose designs have inspired decorative elements in...

Fish Panel Code: VA901024 (Set of 4) Size: 15.2x15.2cm (6x6”) Fish Panel Code: VA901022 (Set of 2) Size: 15.2x7.6cm (6x3”) William De Morgan (1845 – 1910) William De Morgan was one of the most original craftsmen of the Arts and Crafts Movement. From 1859 he studied painting at the Royal Academy but moved quickly into the field of design, applying his skills to the production of stained glass and ceramics. His tile and pottery designs became a typical feature of the Arts and Crafts interior, and were also used in the schemes of grand houses such as the Arab Hall in Lord Leighton’s house in...

9 Square Many of De Morgan’s drawings are based around repeating patterns that conjoin to create a larger, continuous design. 4 Square and 9 Square formats on a single tile are common in addition to the multiple tile panels of linking florals and trellis. Replicated in traditional Victorian Cobalt and subtle Pure White, 9 Square offers complete freedom for horizontal and vertical borders, panels, the checkerboard pattern illustrated and all-over effects, adapting to suit all tastes. Using carefully balanced glazes and by firing at higher temperatures, the over-glaze sinks into the recesses...

The motif on this tile is based on an original design by William De Morgan. De Morgan’s inspiration came from Middle Eastern ceramics, with their rich deep colours and dynamic floral designs. Inspired by nature, De Morgan principally used fish, fruit and flowers as decorative motifs and elements. The Grapes design is typical of the flowing, broad lines and elegant curves he used to recreate the fluid patterns of the natural world. De Morgan produced thousands of designs for tiles and this is just one of the 820 in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Printed within a raised...

Lewis F. Day (1845 – 1910 ) Lewis F. Day was a designer and writer working in England in the late 19th and early 20th century. He designed textiles, wallpapers, stained glass, carpets, tiles, pottery, furniture, silver and jewellery. As well as a designer, Day was an important and influential writer and educator in design, advocating originality of design based on natural forms and high standards of craftsmanship. His interest in design is said to have stemmed from his frequent visits to the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria and Albert Museum). The Museum holds many examples of his...

Owen Jones (1809 – 1874) The bold design of these ceramic tiles and borders is taken from tiles designed by Owen Jones (1809 – 74) in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection. The original tiles appeared in the Alhambra Court of the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, until its destruction by fire in 1936. Owen Green and Black Decor Code: VA90114 Size: 15.2x15.2cm (6x6”) Base tile colour: White Owen Green and Black Border Code: VA90115 Size: 15.2x7.6cm (6x3”) Base tile colour: White Owen Cobalt and Black Decor Code: VA90116 Size: 15.2x15.2cm (6x6”) Base tile colour: White Owen Cobalt and Black...

Two Tile Decors These striking decors are perfect for fireplaces but can also be used as a decorative border or feature panel anywhere in the home. The pattern is spread across two tiles, and has been designed to follow on so that you can repeat the design as many times as you like. Pomegranate The pomegranates decorating these tiles are adapted from designs for furniture and room settings. The original artwork comes from a collection of designs by Waller & Sons, a London firm of decorators working in the 1870s–90s, held in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Berries These tiles are based on...

Santiago With its brilliant colouring and decorative motifs, Santiago evokes the distinguished ceramic traditions of the Middle East. The design is based on a ceramic tile from Syria made in the 16th or 17th century. The tiles can be used in any room throughout the home – why not try using tiles in the bedroom as shown here? The 20x20cm decor tile has a repeating pattern that is ideal for creating a feature wall, while the matching plain turquoise tiles perfectly complement the design. Santiago Decor Code: VA03209 Size: 19.8x19.8cm Image shows Santiago 20x20cm decors and plain Turquoise...

Galicia This arabesque design has been reproduced from an original glazed earthenware tile created in Damascus during the 16th century. Temara Temara reproduces a formalised floral motif designed by Owen Jones in the mid-19th century. Jones particularly admired Greek, Egyptian and Islamic (or Moorish) motifs, and adapted them into his own architectural schemes and designs for wallpaper which went into production with various manufacturers from the early 1850s. Both these decorative tiles are printed onto a 20x20cm white base tile and have a top layer of melted glass that follows the pattern...

Omar Decor Code: VA03872 Size: 15.2x15.2cm (6x6”) Base tile colour: Cream Mina Decor Code: VA03865 Size: 15.2x15.2cm (6x6”) Base tile colour: Cream Omar and Mina Omar and Mina are based on one of the original drawings illustrated in Owen Jones’ The Grammar of Ornament and are reflective of Islamic art’s respect for nature and regard for mathematical order and harmony. The decorative wall tiles are printed on a subtle cream base tile and finished with a layer of melted glass for added texture and shine. Combine the two decors with co-ordinating Cream, Blue and Green plain tiles in a mix and...