Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.017 |
Object Name |
Tile, Wall |
Title |
Providential Tile Works Brown Design Wall Tile |
Description |
The tile is brown and rectangular in shape, with an embossed design on the front. The bottom portion of the design features a series of circles arranged in the shape of a "U," with the middle of the "U" replaced by a rectangle. The center of the upper portion of the design contains a cross, with a large oval at its center. The right and left sides of the upper portion consist of squiggly lines, and dark brown curved lines extend from the right and left sides of the cross. The back of the tile is white, featuring three indented rectangles. The middle rectangle contains two elevated circles, which appear to be made of foam rather than ceramic. Each rectangle has an embossed inscription: "P T W" on the first rectangle, "DESIGN D 75" on the second, and "TRENTON. N. J." on the third. The "75" is circled. According to Michael Padwee in Volume 5, Issue 3 of the Trenton Historical Society's September 2004 Newsletter, Providential Tile Works was founded in 1885 by Joseph Kirkham, James Robinson, and Louis Whitehead. The company was primarily known for manufacturing art tiles. Robinson hired Isaac Broome away from the Trent Tile Company in 1885, but Broome left in 1890 and was replaced by Thomas Scott Callowhill. In 1891, Kirkham was bought out by his partners, and Whitehead assumed full control of the company in 1900 after buying out Robinson. After Whitehead's death in 1912, his wife took over the business, which ultimately closed in 1913. Despite its historical significance, Providential Tile Works remained a relatively small operation throughout its existence. 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) |
3.000 |
Length (in) |
6.000 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Accretions throughout. there is a large abrasion on the front. Front: There is paint cracking all over. There is an abrasion on the bottom near the middle. There is a black accretion on the bottom near the middle. And finally, there is a large abrasion on the bottom near the right side. Back: There are brown accretions all over. There is wear around the edges. And finally, there is a black discoloration that goes from the top to the bottom on the right side. |
People |
James Robinson Louis Whitehead Joseph Kirkham Isaac Broome |
Classification |
Business & Commerce |
Subjects |
Ceramic Industry Houses |
Search Terms |
Ceramic Leaf Leaves Cross Circle Rectangle Brown 1885 1913 19th Century 20th Century 75 Design D PTW Providential Tile Works Trenton NJ White Providential Tile Works Brown Design Wall Tile |
Provenance |
Found in collection |