Object Description
An antique English glazed clay tile by Maw & Co. (stamped) with an armorial crest depicting the Coat of Arms of the Earls of Brownlow and Bridgewater, thought to date from around 1865.
The titles of Earl of Brownlow and Earl of Bridgewater were merged in 1863 by royal licence, after the 2nd Earl of Brownlow inherited the additional title of Earl of Bridgewater from his grandfather, John Egerton, a decade earlier. Following the 2nd Earl of Brownlow’s death in 1867, he was succeeded by his brother, Adelbert Wellington Brownlow-Cust.
Over 160 years old, this reclaimed English tile is in good condition for its age, clearly marked with maker’s name to the reverse, making an excellent piece for the modern collector.
Maw & Co. Antique Tiles
Maw & Co. was founded in 1850 by George Maw and his brother Arthur. Over the next 30 years, the business would grow into one of the most influential English floor tile manufacturers in the industry, Maw & Co. tiles decorating properties and establishments across the globe.
Initially based in Worcester, the business relocated to the Benthall Works in Broseley, Shropshire in 1852. Here they made their highly sought after encaustic tiles while experimenting with majolica glazes, transfer print, hand painting and relief tiles. In 1883, the business expanded, relocating again to a new premises in Jackfield.
At the end of the 19th century, Maw & Co. was one of the largest tile factories in the world, trading for a further 70 years before closing in 1970.