Tile Heritage Foundation (THF), a charitable nonprofit organization founded in 1987, is dedicated to promoting an awareness and appreciation of ceramic surfaces in the United States. At THF, we serve the growing need for a historical perspective regarding all ceramic tiles, both past and present.
In addition to aiding in the education of the public about tile's rich and varied history, the organization has become a major voice in the preservation of existing installations of rare and unusual ceramic surfaces.
From the time of the earliest cave paintings and molded clay forms, people have always sought to conceptualize themselves and inspire others through artistic endeavors. Safekeeping ceramic surfaces today is an integral part of preserving ourselves: a means of being remembered and understood by future generations.
Our Resources:
- More than 4,000 different glazed and decorative one-of-a-kind tile samples from scores of American companies dating to the 19th century. (The tiles in the THF collection have been donated; THF does not buy or sell historic tiles.)
- 140,000 images of individual tiles as well as of installations from around the country and around the world.
- A library of hundreds of books, including more than 700 original company catalogs and more than 40 tile-related periodicals dating back to the 1880s.
- More than 40,000 documents, both historic and contemporary, representing tile manufacturing, distribution, and installation.
- 70-plus years of combined experience in the field.
- A network of experts worldwide for helpful and accurate answers to questions and solutions to problems.
- More than 770 members: manufacturers, studios, distributors, dealers, contractors, installers, designers, and other tile-related support industries.
- Contributor to the Online Archive of California (OAC), which provides a global finding-aid index for access to the THF Archives.
Tile Heritage Foundation is a repository — an archive — that impacts all aspects of the American tile industry:
THF provides pertinent information, unbiased consultation, and specific recommendations about tile’s legendary creation and manufacturing history and the objects themselves. THF serves both the industry and the public at large as no other agency can.
Our Founding Story
In early January 1987, Sheila Menzies and Joe Taylor conceived Tile Heritage Foundation (THF) while were driving home to California from a holiday in Arizona.
Two years prior, Joe had left the McIntyre Tile Company and had since been engaged in unearthing the history of California tiles. He combed libraries for information and interviewed industry old-timers.
Although little had been published on tiles at that point, every story Joe discovered opened new doors. These resulted in helpful discussions as Joe and Sheila attempted to trace the origins of tiles adorning architecture throughout the state and beyond.
The people they met — contractors, dealers, and tile makers themselves — encouraged Joe and Sheila’s excitement and determination to continue. Many offered help: “Let us know what we can do!”
On January 4, Joe and Sheila stopped at a bookstore in Santa Barbara and purchased Anthony Mancuso’s book on forming a nonprofit organization. Then, they went to work preparing the necessary paperwork for the state and federal government.
THF received 501(c)(3) status a mere 6 months later.
For the first time in our nation, there was an organization specifically designed to research and preserve America’s ceramic surfaces. Historic information from across the country began to flow into the THF library.
THF started presenting annual symposiums in cities nationwide with a focus on public education. Flash Point, a THF quarterly news bulletin, started publishing in 1988. Support grew as more and more people and companies joined the Foundation.
From our founders — “Work with others, share with others, and together create and support an American tile archive for posterity! Today THF embodies a validation of the industry, past and present, and we have deep gratitude for the financial support of this enterprise by so many for more than 38 years. Thank you all!” — Sheila Menzies & Joe Taylor
A broad funding base is essential for THF's long-term sustainability. Membership and sponsorships provide the core of the Foundation's financial stability. As we strive to enhance the accessibility of THF Archives and collections for industry-wide and public use, funding is critical. It is imperative that THF Archives are accessible through the ongoing development of an online index.
A monthly THF newsletter communicates tile-related information.
“Shards 'n' Snippets” contains timely information about tile news and events.
A Review of American Tile History, an annual magazine, offers in-depth articles.
Tile Heritage Foundation is an active member of the nonprofit organizations below.
Tile Council of North America
Tile Council of North America (TCNA) has embraced Tile Heritage Foundation for many years. TCNA recognizes the importance of maintaining historic tile industry archives and collections.
TCNA's advocacy and inclusiveness have contributed greatly to THF’s validation and visibility. The TCNA and THF partnership is becoming fully realized when the Foundation moves to South Carolina in the months ahead.
There, we'll have a new archive storage facility and eventual collection display at TCNA headquarters in Anderson, South Carolina. THF will remain an independent organization.
We've planned fundraising efforts to enable the secure move of the THF physical collection and archives from California to their new facility in South Carolina.