Preservation at the AOC: Minton Tiles

Richly patterned and colored #MintonTile floors are one of the most striking features of the extensions of the #USCapitol.

The tiles were first installed in 1856, when Thomas U. Walter was engaged in the design and construction of vast additions to the building. For the floors, Walter chose encaustic tile for its beauty, durability and sophistication.

Patterns and designs formed in the inlaid tiles include geometric patterns such as the Greek key, guilloche and basket weave; floral designs such as the fleur-de-lis; and figures such as dolphins and classical heads. Few of the patterns are repeated. Although most of the tiles are six-by-six-inch squares, some are round, triangular or pie-shaped. Approximately 1,000 different tile patterns are used in the corridors of the Capitol alone, and up to 100 different tiles may be used in a single design.

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ABOUT US
The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is rooted in a tradition of unique craftsmanship and ingenuity. Tracing its beginnings to the laying of the #USCapitol cornerstone in 1793, the AOC is responsible for the operations and care of more than 18.4 million square feet of facilities, 570 acres of grounds and thousands of works of art. The Capitol campus is home to 30,000 daily occupants and hosts more than 3 million visitors annually.

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[flatearthwatertownnewyork]

Seems to me that the Earth is portrayed in the designs on the floor.