March 8th: Pleasant Home lecture series

Richard D. Mohr, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and of the Classics at the University of Illinois gave a lecture titled “Art Tiles in the Prairie School” at the Oak Park public library.

INTRODUCTION: Though there is quite a lot of literature on Prairie School architects’ uses of art glass, next to nothing has been done on the same architects’ uses of art tiles, even though, between 1907 and 1915, nearly all the major figures in this movement at least dabbled in their use ― Frank Lloyd Wright, George W. Maher, Walter Burley Griffin , Marion Mahony, Dwight Perkins, Robert Spencer Jr. , William Purcell, and even, late in his career, Louis Sullivan. These architects’ work incorporates tiles by some of the country’s greatest art potteries, including Grueby Faience of Boston, Rookwood Faience of Cincinnati, the Pewabic Pottery of Detroit, and Chicago’s own Teco Pottery. Based on an on-going series of articles about Prairie School art tiles, this talk will raise awareness of the overlooked medium of Prairie School design.

March 8th: Pleasant Home lecture series

Richard D. Mohr, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and of the Classics at the University of Illinois gave a lecture titled “Art Tiles in the Prairie School” at the Oak Park public library.

INTRODUCTION: Though there is quite a lot of literature on Prairie School architects’ uses of art glass, next to nothing has been done on the same architects’ uses of art tiles, even though, between 1907 and 1915, nearly all the major figures in this movement at least dabbled in their use ― Frank Lloyd Wright, George W. Maher, Walter Burley Griffin , Marion Mahony, Dwight Perkins, Robert Spencer Jr. , William Purcell, and even, late in his career, Louis Sullivan. These architects’ work incorporates tiles by some of the country’s greatest art potteries, including Grueby Faience of Boston, Rookwood Faience of Cincinnati, the Pewabic Pottery of Detroit, and Chicago’s own Teco Pottery. Based on an on-going series of articles about Prairie School art tiles, this talk will raise awareness of the overlooked medium of Prairie School design.

June 27th: The Search for Vintage Tilework

Our search for vintage American heritage tilework is underway, and we are calling on the residents of Oak Park, River Forest and neighboring communities to help us document these remarkable and historic treasures of the ceramic arts from a bygone era.

Heritage Tile of Oak Park is known for our complete collection of historically-authentic subway tile, decorative art tile, trim components, classic moldings, floor mosaics and ceramic accessories to restore the period home to its original character. We are inspired and informed by the vintage tile installations we work on in this community, celebrated internationally for its architectural heritage.

As a part of our educational mission, we have begun to survey and document original, vintage tile installations in the period homes of Oak Park and River Forest, from the turn of the last century to the depression era of the 1930’s. Our goal is to share the results of our survey of these unique tile installations with homeowners throughout the community so they can identify the sources of this tilework and its historical significance.

We are requesting that you send us your photo images of vintage:

• fireplace surround and hearth tiles
• entryway floor mosaics
• bathroom wall tile and floor mosaics
• kitchen backsplashes
• other decorative tile installations (fountains, niches, etc.)

Any additional information that you can share on the age and architectural style of the home would be of interest. All information we receive will be held in strict confidence. Any publication of images or communications in any form will require your expressed approval. Please send your image files and inquiries to neal@heritagetile.com or address questions or correspondence to our studio and showroom.