Montmartre Belle Epoque Reclaimed French Terra Cotta Tiles - PA264

Dimensions: 6 1/4" x 6 1/4" x 7/8" thick

In-Stock: 319 SF - FOB West Hatfield, MA  

Provenance: Montmartre, Paris, France

Cost - $32.00/SF

Montmartre is a large hill in Paris's northern 18th arrondissement, known for a bohemian gathering place of artists during La Belle Epoque.  From Renoir and Picasso to Van Gogh, these colorful plastered homes along narrow and windy cobblestone streets set the stage for post-impressionist art.  How fitting to have salvaged in Montmartre this particular antique French terra cotta tile lot.  Reclaiming a single lot of 319 SF from one home - all the same thickness - with colors of Montmartre, is frankly, outstanding.  This antique floor is quite spectacular knowing it's provenance.  But to view it first hand - one is first mesmerized by the variation of hues.  Truly a painter's palette from ochre and sand to rose, olive, clay and mushroom - we can only imagine what a beautiful painting Gauguin could have created with these colors.  The texture of this terra cotta tile is also unique.  They clay itself was perhaps less sifted, less refined before the hand-molding  and firing process in traditional wood-burning kilns.  This was advantageous for the sediments found within this clay combined with the flames of the kiln created such an intense color variation - perfect for 18th century Montmartre.  Frankly, the patina and surface texture of this tile is like worn terrazzo.  And to partner this antique French clay tile with our Kings of France 18th Century French Oak Floors - The Olde Oak Collection: Sussex would be astute.  The warm, oak woods give anchor and weight to the terra cotta tile's colorfulness.  Historic Montmartre has come alive once more.

Recommended Sealer after Installation:  Akemi Stone Impregnation for French Reclaimed Terra Cotta Tile Flooring 

Cleaning and Maintenance:  This lot will need surface cleaning after installation. Vacuum, then clean with Black Soap (Savon Noir) to disinfect, maintain, protect and enhance patina.