Antique Delft and Very Collectible Tiles and Ceramics: Beginners Start Here

So you fancy starting a collection but you're not sure what to collect? How About . . . ?

Every home will contain at least one example or more - in the kitchen, the bathroom, the fire surround. How long have they been in existence and what should we look out for when buying an Old Tile.

When trying to identify an old tile, the most difficult aspect is where was it made and when.

The most famous tiles are referred to as delft. But why?

The term delft is derived from the dutch town of Delft. The Netherlands began to produce tin-glazed earthenware in the late 15 century. Potteries were established in many parts of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, Haarlem and Rotterdam, but by the late 17 century Delft had become the most important centre of production and nearly 30 companies were working in the area.

The original delft tile designs came about when Chinese porcelain stopped being imported in the mid 17 century and the popular Chinese wares were reproduced in blue and white. Initially made in blue and white, later in the century the Delft potters introduced a wider variety of colours, yellow, purple, blue, red, green and black.

Flemish and Dutch potters arrived and settled in London in 1570, but it wasn't until the 18 century that the delftware tile industry became established in Britian. The main centres were London, Bristol and Liverpool. The tiles usually depicted flowers, ships, landscapes and many scenes of biblical subjects.

So now we know that we're looking for either Duitch delft or English delft, but it's quite dificult with these early examples to determine the place of origin.

A few tips:

Dutch delft often has a gritty texture, thick glaze and 'peppering' on the surface caused by air bubbles exploding during firing.

Dutch tiles are painted in a very assured manner with great skill and expertise.

The tin glaze of Dutch tiles is usually whiter because it contains more tin oxides making it liable to craze.

British delftware is typically less finely potted and the glaze is often tinged with blue or pink. Colours tend to be more muted due to the absorbency of the tin glaze used. The glaze is much glossier and smoother than Dutch glaze and it does not craze easily.

So to sum up:

Gritty, thich white glaze, very well painted, crazed ....... Dutch.

Smooth, glazed tinged blue or pink, muted colours, little crazing .... English.

Now all you have to do is get out there and start looking, but beware - lots of reproductions so take time to do a bit more studying by way of delftware tiles.

Also remember, plates, flower bricks, jugs, posset pots, handwarmers, puzzle jugs, char dishes, vases, bowls and beautifully glazed drug jars for use by apothocaries were produced in delftware, but that's another story.

We run a small but beautifully formed General Antiques Shop which is situated in Kirkby Lonsdale In the Yorkshire Dales/Cumbria Border. http://www.architus.com

---

How Could Your Hobby be the Key to Financial Success?

Virtually everyone has the knowledge they need to make a... Read More

Tracing Your Family History

Let me say straight away that tracing your family ancestry... Read More

Bookmarks As Unique As You

Racks and racks of bookmarks ranging from funny to inspirational... Read More

Scrapbooking Childrens Favorite Stories

Countless memories are built during the formative childhood days. If... Read More

Stress-Free Scrapbook Journaling Ideas

Do you find it intimidating when you come to journal... Read More

Embroidery Designs and Thread Colors for Machine Embroidery Sewing

I wish that I had a nickel for each time... Read More

Bartering: A Modern Day Phenomenon

Back in the early days of America, families didn't have... Read More

Genealogy / Family History

One huge advantage of knowing about family history is that... Read More

Preservation and Making Copies of Your Scrapbook

You put a great deal of time, thought, and effort... Read More

Picture Frame Crafts For Your Kids Party

One of the most popular party favors is a framed... Read More

Embroidery Basting Frames Use for Stabilizing Designs

Using a basting frame around designs can do a great... Read More

Tooling Leather

Use vegetable-tanned, light-colored top-grained leather for tooling leather. If you're... Read More

Origami Instructions - Getting Started

The birthplace of origami is still a mystery. Paper was... Read More

Treasure Hunting - The Unusual Ways

When you think of treasure hunting, maybe gold coins and... Read More

Scrapbooking on a Budget

Memories are priceless, but the cost of preserving them can... Read More

The Easy Way to Make a Special Present

We all know someone who is difficult to buy a... Read More

How to Make a Simple Gemstone Necklace

With gemstone beads, every bead is precious. Every bead is... Read More

Ideas for Making Gift Baskets

Do you want to give gifts to your friends or... Read More

An Easy Way to Understand Your Collectibles

What kind of gifts you often receive? Is it toy... Read More

How To Create A Collage Journal

Creating a collage journal is a unique and fun way... Read More

How to Make Your Own Refrigerator Magnets

There are several types of refrigerator magnets that you can... Read More

Patterning and Spacing in Your Scrapbooks

How can you arrange your scrapbook page to best show... Read More

How To Make a Pinata

MATERIALSA Large Round or Oval BalloonNewspaper, torn into 1 inch... Read More

Comic Book Collecting, Oh What An Enjoyable Past Time It Is!

Have you ever read a comic book before? I imagine... Read More

Need A Scrapbook Journaling Idea?

Try using song lyrics in your next layout.Song lyrics can... Read More

Scrapbook Photos -- Getting Adventurous With Your Layouts

When you have selected the photos for your scrapbook, you'll... Read More

Saving Family Keepsakes for Scrapbooking

I'm new to scrapbooking, and I still can't believe all... Read More

Introduction to Hobby Metal Casting for the Practical Home Mechanic - Engineer

Your enjoyment will start right from the moment you start... Read More

Easy Origami

Starting outOrigami is an art of paper folding, therefore all... Read More

Discover the Truth about Comic Book Collection; Nerdy Geeks or Shrewd Investors?

It is unbelievable when one says, yeah, I collect comic... Read More

Decorative Metal Work Techniques From The Early 1900s

Today's Metal Craft workers should truly appreciate the artistic skills... Read More

How to Make Your Own Soap Favors for Weddings and Baby Showers

Want to make soap as a gift for your party... Read More

Depression Glass Companies

Just before the advent of the Great Depression, more than... Read More