Windmills, tulips, and wooden shoes are all iconic symbols of the Netherlands. Another is the blue and white glazed ceramic ware that has been a popular Dutch souvenir for centuries.
Delftware In the 17th century imported blue and white Chinese porcelain was much in demand in Europe. It was very expensive, so some enterprising Dutch potters began to manufacture more affordable blue and white earthenware that imitated the costly Chinese porcelain. The best imitations were made in the town of Delft, so that name became associated with the craft.
Blue Delftware became world famous.
Blue Delftware became world famous.
A popular Delftware item was the square tile, decorated with scenes from everyday Dutch life: flowers, animals, birds, insects, houses, landscapes, ships, and people. The tiles were used to decorate walls, stairwells, and fireplace surrounds. Blue and white Delft-style tiles are still popular for home decoration today.
18th century Delft Blue tiles
Dominic R. The students at Blue Church Art created their own versions of Delft tiles. Their 5" square "tiles" were drawn and shaded in colored pencil with chalk pastel backgrounds.
Anna E. Most followed the traditional Delftware blue and white color scheme, but some students added a bit of color- or a lot of color, like the beautiful tile at the right.
Click on any image to enlarge it.
 Ethelmae T.  Sierra W.  Gabriella L.  Kacey P.  Marissa M.  Nathan G.  Lauren L. |  Leighann P.  Jack Z.  Jill G.  Jessica C.  Makenzie R.  Ava M.  Stella C. |  Teghan M.  Morgan D.  Elle S.  Cora H.  Emma S.  Ethan S.  Lauren R. |  Hanna S.  Mikayla R.  Aidan S.  Ava L.  Emily C.  Amber B.  Sarah M. |
 Neo K.  Corinne B. |  Caroline O.  Makenna P. |  Siobhan C.  Conor H. |  Lauren P.  Chrissy S. |
Bridgette L. This student's beautiful "tall ship" was
too tall for the 5" square!
Diane P. The students have created so many wonderful Blue Delftware tiles at Blue Church Art! I wish I could make all of them into real earthenware tiles and decorate my house with them :-)
 Anna E. |
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