A large run of 160 antique handmade French ceramics - 1881
A large run of 160 antique ceramic border tiles, providing a lay length of over 89 linear feet. The design of these handmade ceramics is symmetrical, allowing for the easy production of mitre-cut border corners should they be required.
These 140+ year-old quality ceramics were manufactured by Carrelages Ceramiques Boch Freres, Maubeuge, France, the tiles having been presented as 'Bordure Renaissance' in their 1881 catalogue, scans of which are included in the photo gallery for provenance.
c.6.7 inches sq., these fine handmade ceramics weigh c. 3lbs each and lend themselves to a traditional border tile lay with a complimentary ceramic or hardwood or as a practical, decorative feature on walls; as a splash-back, in showers, chimney breasts, AGA inglenooks etc. Being a highly fired tile, they can also be laid outside the home, for example on patios or garden paths, as high summer and sub-zero winter temperatures will not present a problem.
Owing to the large quantity available, there could be the possibility to split the lot.
The tiles are fully restored, ready to re-lay and currently being prepared for shipment to us from France.
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