Delft Blue Tile Panels

For centuries, ceramic tile panels have been used in homes, monumental buildings, churches and public buildings. The individual tiles together form one image, allowing both small and large performances to be performed. From historic cityscapes and family crests to a contemporary design: a tile tableau is often a permanent part of a building or interior.

Dutchceramics produces Delft blue tile panels entirely in its own factory in Gouderak. From the Gouda pottery tradition, we use traditional production methods with modern techniques. We carry out almost the entire production process in-house, which allows us to reproduce existing designs as well as realize complete custom projects.

Traditional and contemporary designs

Classic tile panels often depict cityscapes, landscapes, ships, windmills, historic buildings, and floral motifs. Family coats of arms, Biblical scenes and decorative ornaments have also been among the well-known depictions of Delft tiling for many years

In addition to these traditional designs, contemporary images are now also executed on ceramics. Think of a company logo, an illustration, a work of art or a personal image. By having several tiles together form one representation, larger and more detailed designs are also possible.

From standard design to full customization

In addition to existing designs, we also produce fully customized tile panels. Almost any image can serve as a starting point, provided it is suitable for execution on ceramics.

For a custom tile tableau, the following images can be processed:

• Town and village views;
• Historic buildings;
• Ships and maritime scenes;
• Company logos;
• Family crests;
• Photos and illustrations;
• Works of art or your own designs.

The design predetermines how the image will be distributed over the individual tiles. The joints are taken into account, so that important details do not end up exactly at a transition between two tiles and the image remains one whole after installation.

Replicas and restoration

In addition to new tile tableaux, Dutchceramics also produces replicas of historic tableaux and loose tiles to replace damaged ones. Especially in restoration projects, it is important that new parts fit in well with the existing work.

This not only looks at the image, but also at the size of the tiles, the decoration, the shades of blue and the finish. Where possible, work is done on the basis of existing tiles, photos or historical documentation, so that the original character of the tableau is preserved.

How is a tile tableau made?

Production starts with the preparation of the casting clay. This is poured into plaster molds, after which the tiles dry and are baked for the first time during the biscuit firing.

After the biscuit firing, the décor is applied. Depending on the design, this is done by hand or with the help of screen printing. Then a glaze layer is applied and the tiles are fired for a second time.

Only when all the tiles have been baked and checked are they combined into one complete tableau. In this way, each tile ultimately forms part of one continuous representation.

Applications of a Delft blue tile tableau

Delft blue tile panels are used in a variety of projects. They are suitable for, among other things:

• Fireplaces;
• Kitchen walls;
• Entrances;
• Reception rooms;
• Monumental buildings;
• Museums and public buildings.

Because almost the entire production process takes place in our own factory, we can realize both a single custom project and a larger series of tile panels.

Traditionally made in Gouderak

A tile tableau is often made for a place where it remains visible for years. That is why we pay a lot of attention to the quality of the ceramic, the finish and the accurate distribution of the image over the individual tiles. Only when all the parts together form a convincing whole, a tableau is ready.

Are you looking for a Delft blue tile tableau for a home, business or restoration project? In our factory in Gouderak, we supervise the entire process, from design and production to the final end result. Thanks to our knowledge of ceramics, customization and replicas, we can manufacture both new designs and historic tile panels with care.