Ceramic Tile Part II

Malibu Potteries was establish in Malibu California by Mrs. Rindge in 1926. And in the six short years it existed it produced some of the most important and beautiful ceramic tile to come out of California. With an abundance of good quality clay and a strong demand for decorative ceramic tile needed for the Mediterranean and Spanish style homes being built in that day, Malibu Pottery produced 30,000 square feet of ceramic tile per month. The tile was shipped world wide but most of the tile with Saracen, Moorish, and Spanish designs was produced for homes in the Los Angeles area. In 1931 a fire destroyed most of the factory and although Mrs. Rindge was planning to rebuild the depression and building slump prevented the factory of re opening again.

Above: Persian carpet designed by William Handley of Malibu Potteries

Logia at the Ahmason house in Malibu California, built in 1930

Although Malibu Pottery shut down Malibu Ceramic Works has reinvented and has been producing beautiful handmade ceramic tile in the traditional fashion which once made local tile companies famous, in the early 20th century, in Southern California for the past 30 years.

www.malibuceramicworks.com

Firoozeh Khorrami

www.DesignSchematic.com

Ceramic Tile Part I

Ceramic tile is an important element in design, it comes in as many colors as styles, used in hundreds of applications and spaces. It can add color, texture, and pattern to any indoor or outdoor space. Produced in different parts of the world, each with it’s own history and culture.

“Seven Colors” (Haft Rang) tile dates back to the Safavid period in Iran (1502-1736) to decorate many religious and non-secular buildings.
Intricate detail of the beautiful and unique tile work of Isfahan Islamic building dates back to the 16th century

Zillij mosaics – Moroccan tile comes in many different motifs, floral, geometric (below), chiseled, and many colors. Each motif and color remains a symbol and has a special significance in the iconography of the Islamic/Moorish art.

These tiles have decorated walls, floors, ceilings, tables, and furniture for centuries and are still being manufactured.

Firoozeh Khorrami, ASID

www.DesignSchematic.com