Pioneer house stairwell

Image: © philld Taken: 3 Oct 2008

Burmantofts tiles (Messrs. Wilcox and Co. (Ltd) Leeds Yorkshire 1882-1904, originally the firm made bricks sanitary tubes and other architectural goods. When James Etches became manager in 1879 he began the production of tiles, art pottery and architectural faience. Wares were dipped in majolica glazes in the popular 'Art Colours' of the period; Olive Green, Lemon yellow, brown and dark blue. Although the Glazes, in combination with relief moulding, were the sole decoration on most pieces, a variety of decorative techniques were sometimes employed. Modelled figures such as snakes, dragons and lizards were applied to vases other ornamental wares. Sgraffito and barbotine techniques were also used. The vast majority of Burmantoft's output consisted of relief moulded Jardinieres, flower pots, pedestals and umbrella stands. They also offered a line of small 'uglies and grotesques' which were dipped in the famous glazes. Speciality output included Anglo Persian influences introduced in 1887, Anglo Moresque wares introduced in 1900 and Floruda ware, which was unglazed terracotta with painted floral decoration. Later wares were increasingly in the Art Nouveau style. For many more Pioneer house pictures see http://www.flickr.com/photos/phill_dvsn/sets/72157607709804252/detail/

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