Tile 1881 - 1884

This tile was made by J. and J. G. Low Art Tile Works, a company active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period of significant industrial and artistic change. The embossed design speaks to the era’s fascination with texture and ornamentation. As the Industrial Revolution flourished, there was a growing tension between mass-produced goods and the desire for unique, handcrafted items. This tile attempts to bridge that divide. Its repetitive pattern reflects industrial production, yet the tactile quality and subtle variations hint at the human touch. What does it mean to introduce handmade elements into an object designed for mass consumption? Consider how the tile’s design, intended for everyday use, elevates the mundane to something more aesthetically engaging. It's a small object, but it embodies larger conversations about labor, value, and the democratization of art in a rapidly changing world.