The Moravian Pottery and Tiles Works  was built in 1912 by Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930).  It became a National Historic Landmark in 1972, and is not maintained as a “working history” museum by Pennsylvania’s County of Bucks, Department of Parks and Recreation. Mercer’s handmade tiles are still being produced at the site similar to the techniques developed by Mercer. 

The Tile Works offers an apprenticeship twice yearly, in which 3 participants are chosen for each session. Apprentices are given turn of the century knowledge and techniques that the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works still adheres to. While working in the Tile Works, Apprentices are also provided studio space and supplies in order to produce their own tiles using the skills they learn during their time there.

Emily participated in the apprenticeship during the summer session of 2018. Shown are her original tiles she produced during her time there. All tiles were made using the local, Doylestown terra-cotta clay used by the Tile Works, and glazed with glazes created by Henry Mercer. FUN FACT- since the Tile Works is a historic site the glazes are still permitted to be mixed with an original ingredient, LEAD. 

Moravian Pottery and Tile Works Website: http://www.buckscounty.org/government/MoravianPotteryTileworks/MoravianPotteryandTileWorks