Architectural Tiles
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Governor George Wyllys
American, 1590-1645
MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1735-1745
MediumPress-molded tin-glazed earthenware with cobalt blue and overglaze enamels in black, green, orange, and yellow
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (width x depth): 5in. (12.7cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Isaac W. Stuart
DescriptionGroup of eight tin-glazed earthenware tiles with hand-painted decoration in cobalt blue and overglaze enamels in black, green, orange, and yellow. Each of the eight tiles are decorated with one of three different floral patterns, showing blue, yellow, and orange flowers on a black stem with green leaves. Each corner of the tiles are decorated with three blue bands. The tiles are said to have been installed around a fireplace.
Four of the eight tiles are not in one piece. Two tiles, .4 and .6, have a horizontal break in the middle, breaking both into two pieces. The other two broken tiles, .7 and .8, are each in three pieces.
Four of the eight tiles are not in one piece. Two tiles, .4 and .6, have a horizontal break in the middle, breaking both into two pieces. The other two broken tiles, .7 and .8, are each in three pieces.
Object number1844.15.0.1-.8
InscribedThe following numbers are hand-written in red pencil (perhaps a wax pencil) on the back of each tile: "7" is written on .1; "8" is written on .2; "2" is written on .3; "3" is written on .4; "6" is written on .5; "4" is written on .6; "1" (probably) is written on .7; and "5" is written on .8.NotesHistorical Note: These tiles were originally part of the fireplace surrounds of the Wyllys Mansion on Charter Oak Place in Hartford, Connecticut. The Wyllys Mansion was built in 1636 by Governor George Wyllys (1710-1796). The site of the mansion is also where the Charter Oak stood. The mansion was purchased by Stephen Bulkeley (1768-1841).Subject Terms
On View
Not on view
