Tuesday 14 June 2011

Beauty for its own sake


Here is another use of tiles on Paddington terraces. Tile as decoration. Very large tile, measuring maybe 9" or 10" across. My guess is that they are original. These are from two separate terraces around the corner from each other. I have only these two examples thus far, but my eyes are peeled!


There is another aspect here that I wish to draw your attention to. Note the stripping down of the painting leaving that delightful patina that looks like it is waiting for for spackle/undercoat/lick of paint. I am seeing this more frequently, but usually on commercial premises. This is the first private house done in this style. Do you like it? I do.

15 comments:

Luis Gomez said...

Gorgeous Julie!

Rae Walter said...

Beautiful. I love these old tiles. Good to see that these have been preserved Julie.

Kay L. Davies said...

Beautiful examples, Julie, and I'm sure you'll find more. As for the paint style, it wouldn't suit just any wall, but it is very effective when used appropriately.
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Unknown said...

wow, such beautifil captures!

Jim said...

Interesting finds. Can't say I've noticed those features so much before. I will keep an eye out for them in future.

Mary Ann said...

Oh, Julie these are amazing. The tiles look Dutch, but then I'm no expert.

I especially like the facade in the first picture. Almost reminds me of Beirut.

Julie said...

Mary Ann - I almost pointed out the wiring and piping in my text, but knew you would spot it straight off!!

Vicki said...

Such detail. And in such good condition, too. Like an elderly lady with a touch of red lippy.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Enjoying these old tiles! It's amazing how old floor tiles always seem to select a regimented diamond pattern with a border! I am referring to your last photo with this comment!

Christina Klas said...

Absolutely beautiful!

Virginia said...

I love love your tile series. How wonderful. I feel like I"ve been transported to JM's Portugal! :)
V

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I agree with Virginia Julie, I'm loving these old tiles. Some of them do have a 'Dresden' feel about them. They really are such a feature of times gone by. Looking forward to more.

Joan Elizabeth said...

I too thought of JMs tiles in Portugal but these look positively small and delicate in comparison. That paintwork is interesting ... I've never seen it deliberately kept old like that. Not sure if I like it or not.

Joe said...

Love the paintwork. So much character. I also like the design. Beats today's little houses made of ticky tacky hands down.

Jilly said...

Just lovely. Adore that first photo in particular. It so fits the subtitle of your blog.