The High Style of Low Art Tiles

The High Style of Low Art Tiles

A Loring Greenough House Tuesday in the Parlor presentation by Richard Pennington

April 30, 2019, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

The Low Art Tile Company was created in 1878 in Chelsea, Massachusetts, by artist John Gardner Low and his father. Low had studied painting in Paris from 1858 to 1861. He took an interest in the making of pottery and apprenticed with the Chelsea Keramic Art Works. Low’s success was swift, and today the tiles he designed are considered the finest produced in the Victorian era. Low branched out with other product lines, most notably soda fountains and cast iron parlor stoves. The Low Company won many awards and sold hundreds of thousands of tiles across the country. Even the Greenough family had a series of Low Art Tiles installed around the fireplace in what is now the main entry area, known as the Rees Room.

Richard Pennington, a former reference librarian at the Boston Globe, is the author of Low Art Tile – John Gardner Low & the Artists of Boston’s Gilded Age. He lived in Chelsea for over a decade in a house decorated with Low tiles, which sparked his fascination with the company.

Join us for Mr. Pennington’s exploration of this unique aspect of Victorian-era interior design. Light refreshments will be served and attendees may purchase Mr. Pennington’s book.

Tickets are $10 for members* and students (with ID), and $15 for nonmembers, plus a small processing fee. Take advantage of members’ ticket prices and support a vital community resource by joining the Loring Greenough House today!

Tickets are on sale now (space is limited!)

*Individual Membership holders are entitled to one ticket at members-only price, Family Memberships can purchase two tickets at members-only price. All additional Tickets must be purchased at General Admission price.