Synopses & Reviews
Hans van Lemmen taught for many years at Leeds Metropolitan University, and is President of the Tiles and Architectural Ceramics Society. His books for Shire include Victorian Tiles, Church Tiles of the Nineteenth Century, Architectural Ceramics, Ceramic Roofware, and Art Nouveau Tiles.
Synopsis
A useful illustrated introduction to the medieval tile industry from its origins in the 13th century. The guide presents the technology and designs of relief and fine-impressed tiles, mosaic tiles and two-colour tiles, all of which are illustrated in colour, followed by a discussion of the industry's decline in the 16th century and the Victorian revival.
Table of Contents
Floor tiles with a wealth of different patterns and designs were used during the Middle Ages, in churches, cathedrals, royal palaces, and the homes of wealthy citizens. Durable and hygenic, these tiles were a fashionable decorative element in medieval interiors. Medieval tilemakers proved extremely skillful in the production of different types of tile, which ranged from variously shaped plain tiles which were assembled into complex mosaic floors, to two-colored inlaid tiles and stamped-relief and line-impressed tiles. In this fascinating introduction to the subject, Han van Lemmen details the various production and decoration techniques used, and the changes in tile fashion. Though many medieval cathedrals and parish churches, and in the extensive collection at the British Museum.