• Style: Classical figures Marc-Louis Emmanuel Solon (1835 - 1913) was
one of several luminaries of the continental
porcelain industry attracted to Mintons Ltd. in
the late nineteenth century. He was renowned for
his pâte sur pâte decoration and
considered the leading exponent of the technique
which entailed painting with thin layers of
porcelain paste to build relief thereby creating
a translucent effect unrivalled by any other
process. His pâte sur pâte often
featured classical maidens and these tiles are
typical of the style of his work if not the
technique. This pair, and the matching
horizontal, are the only tiles verified to be
designed by his hand, it is probable that the
moulds are his work but likely that at least
some were pressed by others in Mintons'
studio. Whilst being hand-pressed in the studio
rather than machine pressed in the tile-works
they are included in the tile catalogue with the
pattern number in the pressed tile sequence
rather than that of the studio. This is to be
expected for very few tiles were hand moulded by
Mintons, or indeed by any other company, so did
not naturally fit in to either of the numbering
schemes. They may be seen in the reprinted Mintons
catalogue, generally described as circa 1885 but
for the most part being from 1883 i.e. up to
sheet 24. However the two photographic sheets
included are rather later dating from 1891 and
the related comments in the introduction
erroneous the writer apparently unaware of the
dating discrepancy. In a later catalogue these
sheets of embossed tiles are in positions 27 and
28. Given the high relief these tiles are
difficult to get good images of. Above is a
photo in natural light, below are scans as we
normally use, the photo is a bit soft and the
scanner as ever a bit harsh but that shows up
detail better. Colour is accurate in both
dependent on the lighting. • Condition: Very fine As shown in the Mintons catalogue. Right: Some very light scratches and
rubbing.
• Technique: Hand pressed embossed
majolica
• Artist: Marc-Louis Solon
• Maker: Mintons
• Dimensions: 6" x 14"
• Date: 1890 (impressed date mark)
A rare and excellent pair of arts & crafts
classical figural tiles (or plaques) designed by
Marc-Louis Emmanuel Solon for Mintons. Of
unusual dimensions and entirely handmade being
pressed in to the mould by hand. Featuring
maidens in diaphanous robes and the subject of
fire with one maiden gleaning and the other
tending a brazier.
• Price: £2000 (approx.
$2783)
• Stock number: 05695/6
Left: minor losses to right edge, a
little stain in a crazing line just below top
edge, some very light scratches and rubbing.
