This is one of my first projects for Stan Hywet's restoration process! I'll be detailing the magical journey from beginning to end in this post; updating from time to time when something ~new and exciting~ happens in the project.
*Edit: the project is complete as of February 26, 2020!
The first step to take for this 'fun train' to leave the station was to research ceramic studios that could take on the project. I was looking for a studio that specializes in delft work, has worked on restoration/recreation projects before, and could accommodate the amount of tiles we needed them to make - about 50.
I researched for a few weeks and emailed about 6 studios back and forth until choosing the Douglas Watson Studio in the UK. I liked the work they feature on their website and the contact I emailed brought up that the crackle glazing on our tiles is something the studio is comfortable recreating. She also had worked on a similar pattern that we have on our tiles.
I recently sent them one of our original tiles that came loose and was in storage. FedEx shipping to England is wild, let me tell you!
I'm currently waiting for my contact to let me know she got the package. The studio is going to recreate and send one tile for us, as a sample, to make sure their color and glazing processes will match the remaining tiles in our fireplace.
Check back in soon for updates on the process!
Over the past few weeks I've been corresponding with the ceramic studio in England answering questions about details of the tiles they've been testing. The studio made special tiles for us since they'll need to be just a bit thinner than their usual. They formulated a perfect glaze that has the right color and crackles just the right size. Then they perfected the blue paint used for the patterns.
We got the sample tile in this afternoon and it looks amazing!
The original tiles have a glaze that contains lead so the patterns have a blurry look. Studios can't use that paint now so the new ones will have a crisper look.
After working with the studio to perfect the recreation of our tiles, we gave them the go-ahead to make 50 of them and send them our way. The whole house was pretty ecstatic when they arrived. They're just beautiful!
The installation process was quick and easy. Our tiling company, Portage Tile, owned by David Wilson, did a phenomenal job. They were recommended to us by the couple who donated to Stan Hywet to have the Breakfast Room restored, so I felt very comfortable letting them handle the project.
One more project complete! I'm so happy with how this project turned out, since it was the first one I took the lead on. Were working on a few more textile projects, then Phase I of restoration is finished and we're on to Phase II. For the next few months I'll be working on lists of things we need to address in various spaces around the museum. I'm excited to get my hands on new something new to work on.
Museum Professional. Traveler. Cat lover.
