Fireplace Tile c. 1936

This Fireplace Tile was made by John Dixon sometime between 1740 and 1811. It is a monochromatic scene of thin washes of plum or mauve, on what appears to be a milky white ground. The artist embraced the fluidity of the material, building up form with repeated applications of the dilute glaze, allowing the image to emerge slowly. Look at the angel gesturing to the sleeping soldier. What I love about this tile, and ceramic painting in general, is its peculiar dance between precision and chance. The image feels both carefully planned and wonderfully ephemeral. The washes pool and feather, creating subtle variations in tone and texture, which are really beautiful. These small, unpredictable details give the scene a lively, handmade quality. Dixon reminds me of other ceramicists like Lucie Rie who knew how to coax unexpected beauty from simple materials and processes, resulting in art that feels both delicate and deeply robust.