'Delftware': tin-glazed earthenware tiles
Discover our dazzling collection of delftware tiles from Britain and the Netherlands
Tiles
The history of architectural ceramics is vast and global. Combining function and aesthetics, ceramic tiles have been used for everything from outdoor pavements to grandly decorated interiors. Our incredible tiles collection spans the medieval period to the present day.
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The collection includes over 19,000 tiles, both single examples and larger tile panels, produced industrially and by individual makers. It is particularly strong in Medieval, Middle Eastern, Italian Renaissance, Dutch and English wall tiles, as well as British 19th-century tiles by the likes of William Morris and William De Morgan.
Collection highlights
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Aunty, Mum and Me Talking About My Fabric Collection, tile panel, by Mawuena Kattah, designed by Intoart, 2016, London, England -
Floor tile, designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, made by Minton, 1847 – 50, Stoke-on-Trent, England -
Tile, about 1550 – 1600, Muel, Spain -
Stove, by Hans Kraut, 1577, Villengen, Germany -
Lytton Strachey in Repose, tile panel, painted by Duncan Grant, made by Omega Workshops, mid 1920s, England -
Tile, about 1270 – 75, Kashan, Iran -
Panel, 1610 – 30, Netherlands -
Roof tile, 1368 – 1644 (Ming Dynasty), China -
Tile, about 1471 – 82, Pesaro, Italy -
Tile, about 1444, Iran -
Tile panel, designed by William De Morgan and William Morris, Architectural Pottery Co., 1876, England -
Tring tiles, about 1330, England -
Tile, by Adrianus Kocx, manufactured by 'Greek A' factory, about 1694, Delft, Netherlands -
Tile, designed by Peter Behrens, manufactured by Villeroy & Boch, about 1903, Mettlach, Germany -
Mr Lee Lewis in the character of Harlequin, tile, printed by Guy Green, made by Sadler and Green, about 1777 – 80, Liverpool, England
Features
Header image: Tile panel, about 1580, Turkey. Museum no. 401:1 to 24-1900. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London