MORAVIAN POTTERY AND TILE WORKS

The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, a National Historic Landmark, is maintained as a "working history" museum by Pennsylvania's County of Bucks, Department of Parks and Recreation. Handmade tiles are still produced in a manner similar to that developed by the pottery's founder and builder, Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930). Mercer was a major proponent of the Arts & Crafts Movement in America. He directed the work at the pottery from 1898 until his death in 1930.

You may still purchase handmade re-issues of tiles and mosaics made in the American Arts & Crafts tradition. Check their catalog to see the many tiles available for gifts and installations such as kitchens, fireplaces, floors and walls.Tours are offered every half-hour and consist of a 17-minute video and a self-guided walk through the facility. Visitors will see original installations, various displays, and selected aspects of current tile production.

I drive by the Tile Works often, and have been wanting to photograph the fascinating architecture. Finally, the other day I had my camera with me and the time to stop. This building is made from reinforced hand-mixed concrete.

The Tile Works construction reflects the Spanish influence on mission architecture.

A close up of one of the tiles produced here. What story do you think is behind this ship and sea serpent?

Did Mercer have a chimney fetish? I didn't count them, but there must be over thirty chimneys! This one was particularly ornate.

Lots of chimneys!

Another shot which shows the Spanish Mission influence.

This is the inner courtyard showing the protected walkway.

The walk way on the right side of the building. I like the interplay of light and shadow in this photograph.

Another view of the inner courtyard and chimneys.

A close-up of the concrete walls visible in the walk way.