Tiles
The history of architectural ceramics is vast and global. Combining function and aesthetics, ceramic tiles have been used for everything from outdoor pavements to grandly decorated interiors. Our incredible tiles collection spans the medieval period to the present day.
The collection includes over 19,000 tiles, both single examples and larger tile panels, produced industrially and by individual makers. It is particularly strong in Medieval, Middle Eastern, Italian Renaissance, Dutch and English wall tiles, as well as British 19th-century tiles by the likes of William Morris and William De Morgan.
Features
Collection highlights
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Aunty, Mum and Me Talking About My Fabric Collection, tile panel, designed by Intoart, made by Mawuena Kattah, 2016, London, EnglandV&A East Museum -
Floor tile, designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, made by Minton, 1847 – 50, Stoke-on-Trent, EnglandV&A South Kensington -
Tile, about 1550 – 1600, Muel, SpainV&A South Kensington -
Stove, by Hans Kraut, 1577, Villengen, GermanyV&A South Kensington -
Lytton Strachey in Repose, tile panel, painted by Duncan Grant, made by Omega Workshops, mid 1920s, EnglandV&A South Kensington -
Tile, about 1270 – 75, Kashan, IranV&A South Kensington -
Panel, 1610 – 30, NetherlandsV&A South Kensington -
Roof tile, 1368 – 1644 (Ming Dynasty), ChinaV&A South Kensington -
Tile, about 1471 – 82, Pesaro, ItalyV&A South Kensington -
Tile, about 1444, IranV&A South Kensington -
Tile panel, designed by William De Morgan and William Morris, Architectural Pottery Co., 1876, EnglandV&A South Kensington -
Tring tiles, about 1330, EnglandV&A South Kensington -
Tile, by Adrianus Kocx, manufactured by 'Greek A' factory, about 1694, Delft, NetherlandsV&A South Kensington -
Tile, designed by Peter Behrens, manufactured by Villeroy & Boch, about 1903, Mettlach, GermanyV&A South Kensington -
Mr Lee Lewis in the character of Harlequin, tile, printed by Guy Green, made by Sadler and Green, about 1777 – 80, Liverpool, EnglandV&A South Kensington
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Header image:
Tile panel, about 1580, Turkey. Museum no. 401:1 to 24-1900. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London