Antique tile tableaux

What are tile tableaux?

Tile tableaux, also known as tile tableaux, are decorative pictures made up of several wall tiles that together form one larger image. Wall tiles have been used for centuries, and from the 17th century the use of painted tiles in Dutch interiors increased sharply. Alongside individually painted tiles, extensive scenes emerged that ran across several tiles.

Antique tile tableaux can show a wide range of images, such as Dutch landscapes, floral motifs, animals, ships and historic trades. Delft blue tile tableaux are the best known, but old tableaux also occur in manganese and in various colours.

Precisely because a scene runs across several individually hand-painted tiles, a tile tableau forms one coherent work of art. Old tile tableaux are therefore not only decorative, but also give a special glimpse into the art, daily life and imagery of the past.

Old tile tableaux in your home

Traditionally, tile tableaux were widely used in kitchens, around fireplaces and hearths, and later also in bathrooms and toilets. Today, antique tile tableaux still look wonderful in these places.

A tile tableau can be set into a wall as an eye-catcher, for example above a worktop, behind a cooker or in a fireplace surround. It combines the practical qualities of glazed wall tiles with the appearance of a historic work of art.

In a modern interior too, an old tile tableau can form a special element precisely because of the contrast. The natural ageing of the glaze, small colour differences and the subtle irregularities of the handwork give every tableau an appearance that is hard to match with newly produced tiles.

Different types of antique tile tableaux

At Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen, you will find various antique tile tableaux, each with its own scene, size and history. Our range includes traditional Dutch scenes, landscapes, floral motifs and images of historic trades.

Delft blue tile tableaux form an important part of the range. We also come across tableaux executed in manganese or in several colours. Because antique tableaux come from historic buildings and every scene is different, they are almost always unique pieces.

Sizes vary widely too. A tableau may consist of just a few painted tiles, or of dozens of tiles that together form a large scene. This means there are both smaller decorative tableaux and impressive examples that can cover a large part of a wall.

Buying an antique tile tableau

During our work, we regularly come across distinctive old tile tableaux, which are carefully selected and prepared for reuse. We look at the condition of the tiles, the glaze and the image, among other things.

Because every antique tile tableau is unique, our range changes continually. From a small Delft blue scene to a large hand-painted tableau, every piece has its own appearance and history. If you need advice choosing a suitable tile tableau, please contact us. We will be happy to help.