288
EXPOSITION AT VIENNA.
Of each of these sizes there are diagonal halves and quarters, also octagons, hexagons, pentagons, lozenges, and other regular geometrical shapes. The very small tiles or " tessene ” range from Jg X yg inch to 1 X 1 inch, and are used in mosaic work. There are larger sizes of the enamelled, ornamental, and the majolica tiles. The largest of the former are 12 X 12 inches ; 9 X 9 inches and 8x8 inches are also made, besides 8x1 inches, 7x7 inches, 6x6 inches, 6x3 inches, 6x2 inches, and 6x1 inch.
The tiles in France, and on the Continent generally, are made in fractions of the metre, and are* larger than the six- inch tile. The Dutch tiles measure 5^ X 5^- inches, and are less than half an inch thick. The old Saracenic and Persian tiles are generally larger, being nearly one foot square.*
Minton, Hollins & Co., Patent Tile Works , Stoke-upon- Trent .—The plain and encaustic tiles of this celebrated establishment have been rendered familiar to our citizens by their liberal use in the Capitol at Washington and in many of our public and private buildings. But these fail to give an adequate idea of the variety and richness of the designs which are now produced and largely used abroad for decoration.
The firm made a very complete and interesting exhibition of all their varieties of tiles, whether for paving, mural decora- ration, or other purposes. One of the broad wall spaces between the columns, in the main transept of the Vienna building, nearly opposite the beautiful display of Minton’s majolica and porcelain, was set apart for their use, and was completely filled with tablets, painted slabs, and specimens of pavements. The series of tablets hung upon the wall gave a square yard of surface to each different pattern. The greatest novelties were the Persian and Moorish patterns, of great beauty of design and coloring; copies from a series of ancient tiles recently obtained in the East. There was also tiles in imitation of embossed leather. Altogether, it was the most brilliant and complete display of tiles in the Exhibition, and merited the great interest with which fit was regarded by all classes of visitors.
* Some interesting and peculiar varieties of form are noted beyond in tbe description of tbe exhibition in the Spanish and the Portuguese sections.