Tiles in architecture - Tapa dura

This book traces a thousand years of the history of tiles in Europe and America, including the influence of Islamic and Chinese ceramics upon their development. It ranges from the exquisite tiled rooms of Spain and Portugal to the richly-coloured stoves and fireplaces of northern Europe and considers the enormous variety of uses that have been made of ceramic tiles in domestic, civic, ecclesiastical and commercial buildings. The text also charts the changing techniques of tile production, from the medieval craftsman or Renaissance tile painter to the mass-production of tiles during the Industrial Revolution and the revival of the role of the individual designer. It discusses and illustrates numerous examples from every period, including vast interiors, tiled garden architecture and solitary survivals of rare tiles and explains why the renewed interest in ornament and detail in the 20th century has confirmed the lasting value of tiles in architecture.