I have a 1916 bungalow in Seattle. The fireplace tile was originally 2x2 Moravian Tile Company (red terra cotta)tiles with a few decorative tiles of little dutchmen with open books in the corners of each tile. Unfortunately, so many of the tiles were cracked, broken and missing (especially after the house got raised to level) that it was not salvageable. I want to restore it. Moravian doesn't make the same dutchman tile anymore, but I would like to use a sailboat because that means something to myself and my huspand, and I know that a boatbuilder used to live in the house at one point. But I'm also intrigued by Bachelder reproduction tiles, and there is a company that makes them here in town (www.tilerestorationcenter.com). They are more delicately detailed, less rustic, but lighter in color (white clay)... <br> <br>Does anyone have an opinion -- should I go with Moravian to be true to the original, or would Bachelder repros be just as good -- would that "betray" the original concept of the house? This is a bungalow, not a Tudor. I'm just curious as to what you all might say! Please respond! <br> <br>Thanks! <br>

Try Alchemie Studio in California. I'd be surpised if they can't construct reproductions that match the original tiles, if you want to keep the same look.

we have a batchelder tile fireplace, and though it's really lovely, it's not the easiest thing to work with, decor-wise. i think the colors are more pastel and muted than typical arts and crafts colors, and it was tricky finding a wall color that didn't wash out or overwhelm the fireplace, yet was still rich and dark enough to make us happy. we also found that a lot of our pottery looked "wrong" on the mantle---we still haven't found the right mix of accessories that work with the batchelder tile, though copper and bronze pieces seem to work better than pots. <br> <br>you're the second person today to post about batchelder fireplaces, and at the risk of seeming like a show-off, i'll point your towards our photo album so you can see how it looks in an arts and crafts interior. just click on my screen name, and it will take you to a link to the album.

I assume you know that Batchelder had a "Dutch" series that included different dockside scenes. I'm guessing that these would be perfect. <br> <br>These were originally designed for Batchelder's first commercial commission, a Dutch-themed chocolate shop in Downtown Los Angeles. What's amazing is that the interior is still nearly entirely intact, despite now being part of a large, maze-like swapmeet. Pretty amazing, if you get a chance to see it. <br> <br>You may find originals on Ebay that cost about the same as repros from a place like Mission Tile West. <br> <br>Kevin

Great help! But y'all didn't address my main question. What is your personal opinion. Should I replace the old Maravian (not salvageable) with Moravian, or with Batchelder? Do you have an opinion on the "historical accuracy" of doing so? This is more of an ethics/morality question, I guess! Weird, I admit, but these are the things that keep me up at night.

If the existing tile is really unsalvagable, than I would go with what you can prefer or afford. I think either would be approprate as to time period. You can always document what is there now and save any pieces.

my personal opinion is as follows: if your current fireplace was restoreable, then the ethical thing to do would be to restore it. since it's beyond repair, then you should replace it with something that you love, that is sensitive to the architecture and era of the house. if you prefer batchelder over moravian, then a batchelder reproduction would fit the bill, and it wouldn't look wrong or out of place. <br> <br>personally, if a tragedy ever befell our batchelder fireplace and it was beyond restoration, we'd be sad, but we'd probably replace it with something completely different---a nice matte green, wheatley sort of tile....

Remember: Earnest Batchelder mixed Batchelder and Moravian tiles in his own house. That's good enough for me (assuming its well designed).

I didn't know about the B & Moravian mixing...tell me more! <br>In the same room, same wall? nah, I wouldn't expect, but who knows!

Batchelder used 10 or so Moravian tiles in his home's fireplace, one set in his front door, and I believe some in his back yard/fountain as well.