Object Description
An unusual Arts & Crafts style Maw & Co. antique tile oak fireplace circa 1880. This Victorian fireplace is comprised of an oak surround detailed with 17 green glazed tiles stamped Maw & Co. of Benthall Works Broseley.
Each tile is decorated in high relief with fruiting foliage across the frieze, urns with scrolling foliage to the jambs and the face of woman to the left end block facing a man with cap to the right end block. A beautiful showcase of English fireplace tiles at the height of its industry.
Additional Dimensions
Opening height: 91.5 cm
Opening width: 73 cm
Width from outer foot block to outer foot block: 125 cm
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.