While the name Grueby might be synonymous with Art Pottery today, in the early twentieth century the Grueby Faience and Tile Company of Boston, Massachusetts completed numerous commissions for tile and faience installations in public buildings, commercial enterprises, and private homes. Two such projects, both designed by Addison B. LeBoutillier, are displayed at the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement.
The Iris Bathroom, originally installed in Oliver Clay’s suburban Cleveland mansion called Northacre, is made of over 2,000 Grueby tiles and its clean lines and simple forms are emblematic of the Arts and Crafts movement.
The Aloha Boathouse, in Newport, Rhode Island, was constructed in 1912 for Arthur Curtiss James, and served as the gateway to his Beacon Hill House for guests arriving by sea. Named after James’ 218-foot luxury yacht, the custom designed boathouse tiled floor features the Aloha surrounded by eighteen other sailing ships spanning four thousand years of maritime history.
Both of these stunning examples of Grueby tile installations were rescued from demolition by the Two Red Roses Foundation. These remarkable installations have been painstakingly reconstructed to be on view for the public for the first time.
Click the thumbnail below to read our eBook Two Gallery Installations by the Grueby Faience and Tile Company: The Iris Bathroom and Aloha Boathouse