Handmade Boulenger tiles in a damier lay - Late 19th Century
Emerging from the golden age of French decorative arts, this rare and resplendent collection of handmade tiles was produced by the illustrious Société Anonyme de Produits Céramiques Boulenger, founded in 1867 in Auneuil, Oise. Boulenger tiles adorned the interiors of churches, grand hôtels particuliers, and public institutions alike, their signature style iconic and immediately identifiable.
The floor totals 108 sq. ft.
The tiles offered here are a poetic embodiment of that era’s refined aesthetic. Measuring 5.5 inches square, each was handmade, often reverse-stamped or discreetly signed by the artisan—a quiet testament to the human touch behind every piece. Boulenger’s design philosophy was rooted in disciplined elegance: their palette was famously limited to ochre, black, and the deep, iron-rich sang de bœuf. This triadic restraint allowed for compositions of striking clarity and heraldic gravitas.
Dating to the final decades of the 19th century, this ensemble features two principal field tiles—identical in motif, yet rendered in ochre on sang de bœuf and ochre on black—creating a subtle visual rhythm when laid in alternating sequence. The border tile, in black on ochre, flows with a sinuous, almost calligraphic grace, framing the field with quiet authority.
This collection is more than a floor—it is a fragment of French cultural heritage. The original Boulenger factory, though now in romantic ruin, once pulsed with the energy of over a thousand artisans. The Boulenger family home, still standing and richly adorned with their own ceramic façades, and the nearby museum dedicated to their work, continue to bear witness to their enduring influence. Photographs of both, along with images of Boulenger tiles in Claude Monet’s home at Giverny, are included in the gallery to offer historical context and inspiration.
The tiles have been expertly restored, and arrive ready to relay, accompanied by a selection of free damaged tiles ideal for cuts and edge work. For longevity and ease of care, we recommend sealing the tiles after installation.
Inventory Overview:
- Field Tiles – Black: 225 tiles – approx. 48.5 sq ft
- Field Tiles – Sang de Bœuf: 222 tiles – approx. 48 sq ft
- Border Tiles: 56 tiles – 11.8 sq ft. or approx. 25.7 linear ft
Note:-
Our antique tiles were originally handmade in single or two tile molds. Pre-computer fabrication these molds were machined by hand & the colour slips to create the tile were mixed by measure and eye. When firing the tiles, the kiln temperatures of c.1,100F degrees could also be variable. The result of this production process is that tiles made during this period of non-automation often display subtle size & thickness variations and there can be tonal variations in colors, all of which add to their charm and uniqueness. When photographing a floor, we always take a random section so that it is representative of the whole in tones and patina.
A rigorous quality control during the restoration process will include in the sale any tiles with groutable small chips and edge nibbles, expected of tiles more than 100 years old, but include for free any with larger defaults as rejects, which the tiler can then use for offcuts.
Can we help?
If you can provide a technical drawing, or a simple sketch with key dimensions, we are happy to assist in evaluating and recommending the best layout of the floor in your area of choice. Click here for more details