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Minton Tile Patterns

Minton was one of the best-known British manufacturers of porcelain and pottery beginning in the late 18th century. The "Minton" name has also been associated with fine ceramic and encaustic floor tile since the early 1800s. Encaustic floor tile was a prominent feature in Victorian architecture, both residential and commercial, typically depicting a very stylistic and geometric pattern against a colored background. Encaustic tile is unique because its decorative design is not glazed on the surface, but is an inlaid pattern created during the manufacturing process. The process pours colored slips (liquid clay) into deep molded patterns. When fired, the tile is durable and prevents the loss of color and design over the years.


Minton Tile Patterns - 1878	Minton Tile Patterns - 1878

By the mid-19th century, Minton tile covered the floors of many residential entryways, porches and other rooms, and like many Victorian decorative elements, Minton tile became a symbol of social position and good taste. Featured here are patterns of Minton tile advertised by the import firm of "Miller and Coates" of New York City in 1878. Richly patterned and colored encaustic Minton tile was also installed by this firm during the construction of the extensions of the United States Capitol beginning in 1856. The advertisement touts Minton encaustic tile for installation in vestibules, halls, hearths and conservatories. Minton encaustic tile is also recommended for fireplaces, door frames, wainscoting and mantels.

Minton Marks

19th Century Minton Marks:
Minton manufactured both china and tiles. There were several different tile companies with Minton in the name in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The first mark is from a printed pattern issued about 1837. The next four are early painted marks, the first two being imitations of the Sevres mark. The following two are printed marks on china used before 1868. The printed names “MINTON” and “MINTON & Co.” are impressed marks, and were not used before 1861. The globe was adopted as a trade-mark in 1868 and is said to be that of Hollins, Minton & Co., but there never was such a firm. Minton, Hollins & Co., who owns the right to mark their tiles “Minton & Co.”, made tiles only. The globe with flags was printed in gold on all goods exhibited at the Philadelphia Exhibition in 1876. The next to last mark was used only on ungilt china; and the last trademark is from the late 19th century.