Manufacturer: Minton & Co.
 
Date of Manufacture: 1851
 
Type: Glazed earthenware (majolica) plastic clay tile. 
 
Description: Polychrome stove tile in neo-medieval floriated style.
 
Design: Cardinal foliate cross in a quatrefoil with 4-petal flower at the centre and with florets at the corners.
 
Colours: Blue, pink, green, yellow and white.
 
Dimensions: 8 1/8" x 8 1/8" x 1 1/8" (222 mm x 222 mm x 30 mm)
 
Condition: Chips, nibbles and some loss of coloured glazes. Two rear edges have been 'cut down' in order to fit in place (see photos).
 
Notes: This tile was made by Minton & Co. as part of the large stove designed entirely by A.W.N Pugin for the centrepiece of the Medieval Court at the Great Exhibition, 1851. The stove was constructed of majolica-glazed tiles set on an iron frame made by Hardman & Co. of Birmingham. This particular tile was one of the upper tiles, which was perforated to allow heat to escape. Pugin was one of the leading figures of the Gothic Revival in England, famed for designing the interiors of the Houses of Parliament, he produced a number of designs for Minton, including tableware.