removal of the tiles but also in cleaning off backing material and edges for reuse. Situations inevitably arise where missing or damaged tiles need to be replaced. The first task is to identify what type of tile is involved (i.e. how was it made and decorated). This may involve choosing between plastic clay, dust pressed clay or slip casting for the body and moulding, printing, inlaying or painting for the decoration. A TACS survey of decorating techniques revealed 40 different types. Only after identifying the right one can you really begin the search for replacement tiles. Most of the big names of the 19th century have gone (H & R Johnson being a notable exception). Victorian-style tiles, especially wall tiles, abound but are rarely suitable for serious conservation work. Modern cushionedged tiles and wide grout lines are incompatible with old work and a 'conservation grade' product should be sought. Those seeking replacement tiles should be made aware that glaze matching cannot be done in days but needs several weeks for trial and error. Some materials and processes, such as those used in lead glazes, are now outlawed by modern health and safety regulations. Today, many of the best-matching replacement tiles are produced by small companies specialising in a particular niche of the market. Many are members of TACS but find it difficult to market the specialist tile making skills they can offer to conservation. Coordinating and making available a database or directory of those involved is an important priority. The work of doing it cuts across several existing organisations, notably the Tile Promotion Board, the Crafts Council, English Heritage and its Scottish and Welsh counterparts. Finally, accurately reproduced tiles need to be competently fixed with skills matching those used by craftsmen in the past. Beautiful ceramics can be easily wasted by 'cowboys'. The National Master Tile Fixers Association provides advice and is promoting training courses (NMTFA, 39 Upper Eimers Road, Beckenham, KentBR3 3QY, tel: 0181663 0949). Techniques for the removal, restoration and reproduction of historic ceramic tiles have advanced considerably over the last ten years. The priority now lies in disseminating information to those who need it at both popular and specialist levels. CONTEXT52 Authentic tubelined tiles being produced at the Decorative Tile Works,jackfield, Shropshire. Tony Herbert is Conservation Secretary of the Tiles & A rcbitectural Ceramics Society, Reabrook Lodge, 8 Sutton Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6DD, tel: (01743) 236127. Manufacturersof TraditionalPapersand Paint Exclusive manufacturers of ~ The National Trust Range of Paints and Britain's only paint manufacturer to o er a complete ran e o traditional inishes DEAD FLAT OIL 57 National Trust & 38 Archive colours in an oil rich resin DISTEMPER Both a soft distemper and an oil bound distemper strengthened with casein LEAD PAINT A traditional flake white, linseed oil & pure turpentine only recipe LIME WASH Traditionally slaked lime putty ready for dilution SCUMBLE & VARNISH Finest quality oil scumble, dead flat and gloss varnish Also Afullrangeofbothwaterand oilstainersand a comprehensiverangeofearly formulationemulsion,oilglossand eggshellin allNationalTrustand Archivecolours All your conservation and restoration paint requirements met direct from the factory Tel: 01202 876141 Fax: 01202 873793 for colourcards & product information or visit our showroom at 249 Fulham Rd London SW3 19
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