Art Nouveau Tiles

Begins November 8, 2003 in the main floor gallery

Click Here for photos of individual tiles

Click Here for photos of tile groups

Nearly 300 decorative ceramic tiles from the private collection of James Baker reflect the wide range of stylistic expression that exists within Art Nouveau, the first new (non-historicizing) modern style in the decorative arts. At the height of its popularity during the late 19th and early 20th century, Art Nouveau designs incorporating natural and floral imagery graced everything from household objects to buildings.

The tiles in this collection come from European building interiors, mostly from England and Germany, with a few examples from Belgium and Hungary. The tiles were used to protect walls and other surfaces in shops, kitchens and bathrooms from moisture, heat, damage and wear, or were simply adornment items. The variety of approaches utilized by designers of both graphic and representational pieces reveal the stylistic diversity within Art Nouveau, and illustrated the depth and overall quality of Baker’s collection. The English pieces resemble direct natural and floral representations, while the German tiles reflect a bolder, more abstract appearance.