Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2024.FIC.002 |
Object Name |
Tile, Wall |
Title |
Providential Tile Works Green Leaf Wall Tile |
Description |
The tile is light green and rectangular in shape, featuring embossed images of leaves on the front. It has elevated rims at the top and bottom. There are eleven leaves in total, with nine of them arranged in a rainbow pattern that takes up most of the front. These leaves have long, narrow bodies, which progressively get longer as they move toward the top of the tile. The tallest leaf has its top folded over. On top of the tile, there are two smaller leaves positioned opposite one another on the right and left sides. Unlike the other leaves, these are pointed horizontally. The back of the tile is white, with three indented rectangles that take up most of the surface. There are also three elevated yellow circles on the back-two in the second rectangle from the top, and one in the third. These circles appear to be made of felt rather than ceramic. An embossed inscription on the back reads, "PROVIDENTIAL TILE WORKS" in the first rectangle, "600" in the second (with the "600" circled), and "TRENTON N.J." in the third. According to Michael Padwee in the September 2004 edition of the Trenton Historical Society newsletter (Volume 5, Issue 3), Providential Tile Works was founded in 1885 by Joseph Kirkham, James Robinson, and Louis Whitehead. The company was known for manufacturing art tiles. In 1885, Robinson hired Isaac Broome from the Trent Tile Company, who worked at Providential Tile Works until 1890, when he was replaced by Thomas Scott Callowhill. In 1891, Kirkham was bought out by his two partners, and in 1900, Whitehead bought out Robinson to assume full control of the company. After Whitehead's death in 1912, his wife took over until the company closed in 1913. Despite its history, Providential Tile Works remained a small business throughout its operation. Citations: Padwee, M. (2004, September). The Providential Tile Works Uncommon Clay: New Jersey’s ... Potteries of Trenton Society. https://potteriesoftrentonsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/vol-5-iss-3-september-2004.pdf Volume 5 Issue 3 |
Year Range from |
1885 |
Year Range to |
1913 |
Material |
Ceramic |
Artist |
Providential Tile Works |
Height (in) |
6.000 |
Length (in) |
6.000 |
Condition |
Poor |
Condition Notes |
Overall: A large piece of the tile is missing. Front: There is paint cracking all over. A large piece of the tile is missing from the left side. And finally, there is a black accretion on top near the left side. Back: There is wear all over. There is a large piece missing from the lower right side. There is an abrasion on top near the middle. A large piece of the tile is missing near the right side. And finally, there is an abrasion on the center near the left side. |
Inscription Type |
Manufacturer's Mark |
Inscription Location |
Bottom, Top to Bottom, Left to Right |
Inscription Technique |
Embossed |
Inscription Text |
"PROVIDENTIAL TILE WORKS." Line 1 "600" Line 2 "TRENTON N.J" Line 3 |
People |
James Robinson Louis Whitehead Joseph Kirkham Isaac Broome |
Classification |
Business & Commerce |
Subjects |
Ceramic Industry Plant parts Plants Houses |
Search Terms |
19th Century 20th Century Providential TIle Works 600 Trenton New Jersey NJ Ceramic Green White Leaf Leaves 1885 1913 James Robinson Louis Whitehead Joseph Kirkham Isaac Broome Providential Tile Works Green Leaf Wall Tile |
Provenance |
Found in collection |