December 27, 2014 · 9:57 pm
The name "San José" is commonly used to refer to tiles made by the workshops and artisans in San Antonio, Texas, between 1930 and late 1970s. The key artist and entrepreneur who led a number of tile makers for many years was Ethel Wilson Harris. Many of the workshops shared themes, designs, and artisans, so it is often difficult to figure out who exactly made a specific tile.
After reading through Colors on Clay, a fantastic book devoted to San José tile workshops, I believe that my tile was created by Mission Crafts (1941 - 1977), a workshop owned and operated by Ethel Wilson Harris in post-WPA years. Continue reading →
May 8, 2014 · 7:44 pm
This might seem like a repeat post, but it's not. Taylor Tilery (1930 - 1941) made a number of different murals depicting Missions, and Santa Barbara Mission was featured more than once. This mural looks at the Mission from a different perspective, and the design is somewhat more dramatic, with more contrast.
The silk-screened tiles are shown on page 158 of the California Tile, The Golden Era 1910-1940 (vol. 2) as well as on page 257 of the Encyclopedia of American Art Tiles, Region 6. Both panels in the books feature six tiles, not just four. Continue reading →
January 4, 2014 · 1:16 pm
Taylor Tilery (1930 - 1941, also known as Santa Monica Brick Company) produced a series of designs showing California missions, including Santa Barbara Mission. What's unique about this table is that it is much bigger than other known Santa Barbara Mission examples. Continue reading →