For most people the only exposure to encaustic tile might be those small hexagonal tiles white and black tiles you see in a bathroom. But encaustic tile was extensivly used during the Victorian era and was at its most popular in Victorian era England.
What were called encaustic tiles in the Victorian Era were originally called "inlaid tiles" during the medieval period. The use of the word "encaustic" to describe an inlaid tile of two or more colors is technically incorrect. The word encaustic means "burning in" from the Greek en "in" and kaiein "to burn". The term originally described a process of painting with a Beeswax-based paint that was then fired with heat. It was also applied to a process of medieval enameling. The term did not come into use when describing tile until the 19th century. Supposedly, Victorians thought that the two color tiles strongly resembled enamel work and so called them encaustic. Despite the error, the term has now been in common use for so long that it is an accepted name for inlaid tile work.
There are a number of companies now reproducing these classic tiles and my personal favorite is Tile Source http://www.tile-source.com/index.htm althought there are now hundreds of companies, many in England that have resurrected this art. Although expensive prices are coming down and they are great for a small entry or hall.
No comments:
Post a Comment