Little remains of the decorative ceramic tiles that once paved the floors of medieval churches and cathedrals. Abraded by time and use; stolen by collectors; or covered by new flooring; these handsome ornamental paving stones (also known as "encaustic tiles") have become rarities. This practical; inexpensive; and comprehensive archive mdash; originally published in the mid-19th century mdash; has preserved many of those ancient designs for future generations. It represents an invaluable source of design inspiration for permission-free use by todays artists and craftspeople. Adapted largely from tile motifs that once adorned English churches in Winchester; St. Cross; Romsey; and Warblington; 146 handsome images display a host of characteristically medieval patterns mdash; crosses; churches; fleur-de-lis; stylized plant forms; mythological creatures; stars; abstract and geometric figures; and other authentic elements. These rich and evocative designs can be used to enhance a host of art and craft projects: wood burning; leathercraft; and stained glass work; fabric painting; ceramics; enameling; stenciling; or any other project calling for unique and powerful attention-getters.
#1580062 in eBooks 2012-12-13 2012-12-13File Name: B00A735A3M
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A good beach read but...By a-z shopperI really wanted the unedited version. I enjoyed this book but half way through realized there was hardly any sex mentioned. Peggy edited it out at some point and this is that post-edit version. That makes it a bit dull; especially for a beach read which is all this book is good for; its very light. I want the dirt!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great read for art addictsBy C. TempletonI bought this book because it was cheap and because we were just about to visit the Guggenheim Bilbao. It was a great surprise. Very easy to read and packed with interesting art gossip of the time; Peggy really makes it work and brings to life many of the artists of her time. The palazzo in Venice that holds her collection; is not small at all as opposed to what she says in the book; but we knew that.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Colorful Life in Colorful TimesBy Beverly LeachEnjoyed this book as an artist and art world lover. She lead an interesting life in an interesting time for the development of American art. A well written reflection capturing the colorful times and world in which Peggy Guggenheim lived.