Study Day – Tile Style: Ceramic art in two dimensions

Our April study day will be looking at a wide range of tiles, including delftware, 19th century and Islamic and Spanish.

The earliest examples of tilemaking originated in the Holy Lands, about the 4th century BC. From there, the Romans brought tiling to Europe as they occupied lands. In the 8th and 9th centuries, Uighur people of north west China developed what became the basis for 13th century Turkish and Middle Eastern tiles, notable for their geometric symmetry and botanical motifs.

The study day will show how the art and techniques travelled from the Islamic world to Spain and Portugal and then on to Northern Europe.

Further development happened during the Industrial Revolution when tiles became more affordable. With the Victorian era, the push for cleanliness and public health, popularized tiles as a surface that could be cleaned and sanitized. This resulted in a wider use of tiles both in private homes and public places.

We are fortunate to have three acclaimed experts to talk to us about the history and development of Tiles.

Francesca Leoni, Curator of Islamic Art at the Ashmolean Museum.

Amber Turner, Curator of Applied Art at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.

Kate Cadman, Collections curator at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum. Members are welcome to bring items for interest and / or identification

Tea and Coffee will be served on arrival, and a light lunch will be provided.

Please email info@oxfordceramicsgroup.org.uk if you would like a booking form.