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Case studies
The blue tile edging extends 30 inches past the basin on both sides of the base of the urn platforms. The top and face panel are 6 inch 6 inch tiles by Gladding, McBean & Co., Pattern TA-18. The pattern is surrounded by a solid border of almost iridescent cobalt blue 6 inch 6 inch 3 tiles and a band of 6 inch 14 inch tiles in gold. I first assumed the border was from the D&M Tile Company, Los Angeles, based on a letter dated 10 April 1935, and Requa’s reply on 11 April. However, with the opening of the Exposition only a few weeks away, I believe that Requa opted for a standard decorative panel from Gladding, McBean, rather than a custom design from D&M. The source of the solid colour border tile is certain as one of the fragments has the following markings on the back: T7S AET CO (American Encaustic Tiling Company). Two light wells on either side illuminated the glazed urns, originally from Gladding, McBean. A row of waterproof lights in the basin illuminated the face of the tiles. A small perforated copper pipe across the top provided a gentle flow of water that rippled across the top and face of the tile fountain. The unique corrugated surface resulting from setting each row of face tiles with the top edge extending 1/2 inch out beyond the row above provides a pleasant rippling sound. In 1995 the fountain’s fate was uncertain. The adjacent House of Hospitality, also designed by Requa for the 1935 Exposition, was due to be dismantled and reconstructed with its 1935 configuration and details. The tiles of the Persian Water Rug were in basically good condition, but its location was in the path of all the major equipment needed for the contractor’s work. Various proposals were suggested: place the fountain in a museum, replace it with a ‘copy’ in fibreglass or new tiles; remove it intact to storage; restore and reinstall the original. Thankfully the latter prevailed although the basin was destroyed in the process. In November of 1995 the wall on both sides of the main panel and the concrete sidewalk around the basin were cut. Pipes were inserted through holes drilled on either side of the panel. Supported by a crane an attempt to rock it loose failed, and the basin separated from the back. The damage to the basin tiles was too extensive for repair, but it was kept to serve as a pattern for its replacement.
Sidewalk tiles, Joliet, Illinois Around the turn of the twentieth century, in cities and towns across America and Canada, lettered tiles spelling out street names were often laid in sidewalks at intersections. Some of the most charming tiles were made by the dust-pressed method and were referred to as encaustic. An unfired porcelain tile would be stamped with a steel die