The art of tiles

1. THE ART OF TILE
SUBMITTED BY:
SUMMIYA ASIF

2. INTRODUCTION
 The latin word ‘tegula’ and its french derivative ‘tuile’ mean quite
precisely a roof tile of baked clay.The english ‘tile’ is less precise,
for it can in addition be used of any kind of earthenware slab
applied to any surface of a building.The word ‘ceramic’ comes
from the greek word ‘keramos’ meaning pottery, it is related to
an old sanskrit root meaning ‘to burn’ but was primarily used to
mean ‘burnt stuff’.
 A tile is a manufactured piece of hard-wearing material such as
ceramic, stone, metal, or even glass, generally used for covering
roofs, floors, walls, showers, or other objects such as tabletops.
Alternatively, tile can sometimes refer to similar units made from
lightweight materials such as perlite, wood, and mineral wool,
typically used for wall and ceiling applications. In another sense,
a tile is a construction tile or similar object, such as rectangular
counters used in playing games (see tile-based game).

3. ORIGIN
 Historically, man has desired to create living spaces which were
beautiful, durable, and user friendly.With that in mind, ceramic
tile has been made by man for 4000 years. Beautiful tiled
surfaces have been found in the oldest pyramids, the ruins of
babylon, and ancient ruins of greek cities. Decorative tilework
was invented in the near east, where it has enjoyed a longer
popularity and assumed a greater variety of design than
anywhere in the world. During the islamic period, all methods of
tile decoration were brought to perfection in persia. In europe
decorated tiles did not come into general use outside moorish
spain until the second half of the 12th century.The tile mosaics of
spain and portugal, the maiolica floor tiles of rennaisance italy,
the faiences of antwerp, the development of tile iconography in
england and in the netherlands, and the ceramic tiles of germany
are all prominent landmarks in the history of ceramic tile.

4. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
 Prior to the early 1900s, tiles were only produced to adorn important public
buildings and for homes of the wealthy.Today, tiles can be both affordable and
luxurious for everyone and the design possibilities are endless.
 Tiles have an illustrious history. Samples of early clay and mud tiles are dated at
seven thousand years old. Decorative tiles found in Egypt date back to 4000 BC.
The art of manufacture of tile was famously demonstrated by theAssyrians and
Babylonians in Mesopotamian architecture.Throughout the next few millennia,
the Romans, theGreeks, China, Persia, India, Syria,Turkey,Tunisia, among a few
others, also became leading developers of the art; many glorious examples exist
in-situ and in museums today. Here, we are speaking of highly decorative, man-
made tiles. Concurrently, tiles and pavers hewn from marble and other attractive
types of stone were also enjoying wide usage in grand structures.
 At the same time as Islamic tile art was being perfected in the Middle East, the
Chinese continued to popularize distinct styles and glazes which were widely
adopted by the Dutch, the English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italians and in other
European countries.Tile production quickly evolved in North and SouthAmerica
too from the efforts of European colonists. Mexico is still recognized today for
the hand-made and painted tiles of its contemporary artisans.

5.  is still recognized today for the hand-made and painted tiles of its
contemporary artisans.
 In late 1800s colonial America, very expensive imported tiles were
installed in homes of the elite; fireplaces were a popular application.
Foyers, bathrooms and kitchens in mansions were being enriched with
tiles at the turn of the century, with the idea of tile as a sanitary and
hygienic product. Custom murals also weren't exclusive to just missions
and churches anymore. Public spaces such as theTimes Square subway
station in NewYork City incorporated beautiful murals and "subway
tiles".
 Tile production wasn't just for small potteries and artisans anymore; tile
factories were being built all over the world and advances in the industry
were fast and frequent. In the 1920's, face-mounted sheets of mosaic
tile were introduced so that setting small pieces individually by hand was
no longer required. Higher kiln temperatures and simultaneous firing of
glaze and clay created stronger tiles with more durable glazes.

6.  The 1950s was a period of growth for ceramic
tiles as they were implemented in homes
everywhere. In North America the bathroom was
the most typical room for glazed tiles in a
residential setting. Europe and the rest of the
world began utilizing affordable tile in residential
kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and entries as
well as exterior spaces, at that time. Eventually,
Canadian and American residences were also
receptive to the idea of tiles in other rooms just
like the Europeans. Around 1980, North America
became a very important market for tile
manufacturers.

7. TILES FROM ITALY
 Since the middle ages, Italy has been at the forefront
in the tile industry having borrowed and adjusted
methods and designs from other cultures.
Progressive Italian engineers and factories came up
with innovations and designs that modernized the
industry. In the last forty years, Spain, Portugal,
Turkey, Brazil, China and Mexico, along with some
others, have followed Italian designs and
technological advancements in order to try to
become as successful at producing tile for the world.
Interestingly, China is the largest producer and
consumer of tile. Still, Italy remains the leader in
design with over 300 factories situated in Sassuolo,
in the Emilia-Romagna region.

8. TODAY’S ADVANCEMENT
 Today's Advancements:
 In the last few years, many innovations have
revolutionized the tile industry. Porcelain body
floor tiles and white body ceramic wall tiles use
digital ink-jet technology to achieve authentic
stone appearances or very refined designs.
Computers, machines and robotics in the
factories do most of the work. Besides providing
the world with a stunning variety of sizes and
styles, European tile manufacturers are proactive
in using recycled materials and taking other
measures to preserve the environment

10. THANK YOU