Sold for A$120
Seven T. A. Simpson, Stoke-On-Trent Tiles Depicting Shells. (United Kingdom). Pottery. Tile. Multicoloured tiles for a wash stand or fireplace. All are 6 inch by 6 inch. 1900s
N/A. (N/A). Makers mark "TA SIMPSON" is printed on the edge of these tiles. They are decorated with shell motifs. It is possible the design was intended for use on a fireplace, perhaps in a bathroom on a wash stand. The demand for wall tiles increased rapidly in the later 19th century. One of the most popular uses of tiles along these lines was in conjunction with fireplaces. While tiles had been used in this way for centuries, the new cast-iron grates that began to appear in this period were specifically designed to be set with tiles, which were fitted to metal panels that bolted onto the frame. T. A. Simpson & Co. were based in Hanley and Stoke and produced a wide range of tiles from the 1880s. The earliest tiles made by the factory were decorated on blanks brought in from Minton Hollins & Co. and other firms. By about 1900 they began producing their own tiles for decoration. These are all in decent condition. One has the tip of the corner chipped off, this also has a flake to the edge on one side. Otherwise the others have just a few little flakes here and there and a few scratches. A great selection of early tiles. Estimate: $75-100
