Pottery is one of the oldest decorative art forms, and Minton is one of its historical masters. For more than 250 years, the English company was a premier producer of porcelain and ceramic wares. Its factory was known for detailed and brightly colored Victorian tableware, including dinner plates and serving pieces.
Thomas Minton founded the Minton factory in 1793 in Stoke-upon-Trent, England. It initially made earthenware but introduced bone china in 1798. When Minton died in 1836, the company passed to his son, Herbert Minton. The younger Minton was a savvy businessman with an eye for design. He introduced glossy majolica earthenware to the factory’s repertoire and hired skilled artists and designers like Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin and Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, boosting the company’s reputation.
In 1851, Minton debuted its majolica at the Great Exhibition in London. It became a royal family favorite and was even used to tile the Royal Dairy at Windsor Home Park. Minton majolica was also displayed on the monumental Saint George and the dragon fountain at the 1862 London International Exhibition.
Colin Minton Campbell, a nephew of Herbert Minton, took over the family business in 1858. He led the company to the head of the 1870s English art pottery movement. In the 1890s, French porcelain artist Marc-Louis Solon helped modernize Minton with his Art Nouveau designs.
Minton ceased operating as an independent company when it merged with Royal Doulton Tableware Ltd. in 1968. It was the end of an era, but not the end of widespread appreciation for Minton ceramics.
In 1982, the ”English Majolica” exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum featured 75 Minton pieces. When the Metropolitan Museum of Art reopened its British Galleries in 2020, it included a display of three colorful Minton majolica bird sculptures. Minton pottery was also on display from September 2021 to January 2022, along with other English pottery, at the Bard Graduate Center’s ”Majolica Mania” exhibition.
On 1stDibs, find exquisite Minton serveware, decorative objects, wall decorations and more.
Arts & Crafts Minton Pottery Tile Designed by Christopher Dresser
By Christopher Dresser, Minton
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A Minton pottery tile designed by Christopher Dresser in 1873. This tile, designed by Christopher Dresser and made in 1873, exemplifies the Aesthetic Movement ethos of the home as...
Earthenware
Christopher Dresser Designed Minton & Co. Encaustic Tile
By Christopher Dresser
Located in Sharon, CT
Christopher Dresser designed geometric encaustic tile. Manufactured from 1870-85 by Minton and Company, Stoke upon Trent. Fully signed on bottom. A ...
Ceramic
$110 / item
H 5.99 in W 5.99 in D 0.4 in
1 of the 25 Antique Ceramic Tiles by Faiencerie de Bouffioulx, Belgium 1920s
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 80 amazing and unique handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Faiencerie de Bouffioulx, Belgium, circa 1920s Stylized design in wonderful soft colors (dark) green, white, ye...
Ceramic
1 of the 350 Handmade Antique Ceramic Tiles by Devres, France, 1920s
By Devres
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is a large set of 350 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Devres, circa 1920s. Colorful pattern in yellow, red and green. These tiles would be charming displa...
Ceramic
$355Sale Price|35% Off
H 11.62 in W 11.62 in D 1.19 in
Framed Ceramic Tile Hand Painted Composition, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Manufactured Spain, circa 1950. Materials: Wood, ceramic. Dimensions: D 3 x W 29,5 cm x H 29,5 cm The artwork is in its original condition, showing minor signs of wear consistent...
Ceramic, Wood
$400Sale Price|35% Off
H 11.62 in W 11.62 in D 1.19 in
Framed Ceramic Tile Hand Painted Composition, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Framed Ceramic Tile Hand Painted Composition, circa 1950 Manufactured Spain, circa 1950. Materials: Wood, ceramic. Dimensions: D 3 x W 29,5 cm x H 29,5 cm The artwork is in its o...
Ceramic, Wood
$1,022
H 6.3 in W 6.3 in D 0.4 in
Maw and Co Benthill Works Broseley Salop. A Floreat Salopia tile. 'Soldier'.
Located in London, GB
Maw and Co Benthill Works Broseley Salop. A Floreat Salopia tile depicting 'The Soldier'. Tiny nick to the edge and some surface scratches.
Ceramic
$80 / item
H 5.2 in W 5.2 in D 0.4 in
1 of the 410 Handmade Antique Ceramic Tiles by Devres, France, 1910s
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing and unique set of 410 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Devres, circa 1910s. Stylized design. Notice that each pattern consists of 4 separate ...
Ceramic
Antique late 19th Century French Victorian Carved Marble Hand
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th century French carved marble rendition of a hand with a decorative cuff. Most likely a child's. Original untouched surface. Beveled edges. Only very minor chips to the bott...
Maple
$74 / item
H 5.16 in W 5.16 in D 0.4 in
1 of the 50 Handmade Antique Ceramic Iles by Devres, France, 1910s
By Devres
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is a amazing and unique set of 50 antique French handmade ceramic tiles. Manufactured by Devres, circa 1910s. Stylized design. Each pattern consists of 4 separate tiles. These t...
Ceramic
Small Antique Minton & Co Encaustic Tile
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
This small antique Minton & Co encaustic tile displays a collection of intriguing motifs and symbols. This 19th century 6-inch tile is the perfect deco...
Clay
19th Century English Encaustic Post-Medieval Tile by Godwin
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A 19th century post-medieval style encaustic tile by English makers Godwin of Lugwardine; one of 5 similar we have available. Dating to circa 1870, this 5-inch antique tile features...
Clay
Minton & Co 8-inch Neoclassical Sepia Tile
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique 8-inch decorative neoclassical tile by Minton (stamped), one of two similar we are selling in matching sepia tones. This large, glazed, dust-pressed tile depicts a highly...
Clay
Rare Minton & Co Round Neoclassical Encaustic Tile
By Minton
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An interesting ø28.5 cm (11 and ¼ inch) round neoclassical encaustic tile by Minton & Co. (stamped) depicting a sea nymph or mermaid. This unusual tile is a rare find and possibly un...
Clay
Antique English Post-Medieval Encaustic Tile by W. Godwin
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique post-medieval style encaustic tile by English makers Godwin of Lugwardine; one of 5 similar we have available. Dating to circa 1870, this 5-inch antique tile features a h...
Clay
Antique W. Godwin Medieval Style Encaustic Tile
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique 19th century post-medieval style encaustic 5-inch tile by English makers Godwin of Lugwardine; one of 6 similar we have available. Dating to circa 1870, this antique tile...
Clay
