2006 News

November 14 , 2006

Time to Make the Tiles
Commissioner Jim Cawley Works with the Ceramists of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works

Bucks County Commissioners’ Chairman Jim Cawley today continued his commitment to work intensively within different county departments, joining their respective staffs in an ongoing effort to gain a deeper appreciation of the many roles of county service.

Commissioner Cawley spent the day as a ceramist with Doylestown’s Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. Elbow deep in the tools of the artisan trade, he spent the morning molding clay and cutting quarry tiles. Cawley then learned how to press tiles by making the 2007 special edition tile, “Spring.” He also sampled the art of mosaic making, cutting individual tiles that fit together to form a larger image. During the afternoon, Cawley learned the unique glazing techniques of the historic, handcrafted Mercer tiles.

“What an honor and humbling experience. Bucks County’s rich artistic history is showcased by the century-old techniques employed here at the only county-run tile works in the country,” Commissioner Cawley said proudly.

The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works is a National Historic Landmark administered by the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation as a working history museum. It offers tours, classes, and sales of currently produced Moravian tiles.

The new special edition tile can be purchased at the Tile Works’ shop within the museum at 130 Swamp Road (Route 313), Doylestown, or by calling 215-345-6722, ext. 23, from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. All sales revenue supports the Tile Works’ various restoration projects.