A 285 sq ft rare Boch Freres floor with triple borders 1881-1900
Currently in France awaiting shipping to us, a singular expression of French ceramic artistry, this beautifully restored antique encaustic floor is as rare as it is refined. Totalling 285 sq ft in surface, it retains its original triple border layout—an exquisite frame that gently draws the eye inward to delicately patterned field tiles.
Handmade between 1881 and 1900 by Carrelages Céramiques Boch Frères, Maubeuge, each tile—whether full-size (6.7 inches square) or half-size (6.7 inches x 3.35 inches)—was crafted with care and intention. Weighing over 3lbs each, these tiles were never mass-produced; their subtle design and soft tonal variations speak to the individuality of their handmade making. We include in the photo gallery scans from the original Boch Freres catalogue of 1881 giving the tiles their provenance.
Having had decades of old mortar, wax and surface dirt removed, the floor has been restored to its original beauty tile by tile, revealing a complete floor that is truly one of a kind. We believe, with near certainty, that no identical floor would be available elsewhere. Minor traces of age—small chips and edge nibbles—remain, but they are entirely groutable and only enhance the authenticity and antique patina charm of this handmade ensemble.
Whether laid in a sunlit conservatory, a serene hallway, or a romantic garden room, this floor offers more than beauty—it offers presence. It is a quiet statement, a conversation between past and present, and a rare opportunity to live with something utterly unique.
Highly fired tiles, robust and resistant to high summer or sub-zero winter temperatures the floor can be laid inside or outside of the home.
Tile quantities, give or take one or two:-
FIELD TILES – 729 tiles – 227 sq ft
LARGE BORDERS - 89 tiles plus 2 corners –28.3 sq ft. – 50.8 linear ft.
SMALL BORDERS - 180 tiles plus 8 corners – 28.3 sq ft. – 102.7 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