INTRODUCTION
In the 1910s, a new style of tiling was introduced to the bathrooms of the general public. Tiles would now stretch from the floor to the walls, without interruption from trim or differing materials. This image is from a 1912 bungalow bathroom.
In the 1910s, a new style of tiling was introduced to the bathrooms of the general public. Tiles would now stretch from the floor to the walls, without interruption from trim or differing materials. This image is from a 1912 bungalow bathroom.
ORIGIN
PURPOSE
VALUE
LIMITATIONS
SOURCES
- This style originated from subway tiles- the easy to clean surfaces of train stations.
- In the past, most bathrooms were rudimentary, or outhouses in the backyard. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, bathrooms became a normal part of the household. This created the need for some homeowners to have all the new appliances and styles.
- In 1912/1913, white porcelain toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and other objects found in bathrooms became popular. The sanitary look continued with light or white colored tiling.
PURPOSE
- The new tiling design consisted of larger, rectangular tiles across every inch of the wall, and smaller, square tiles encasing the floor.
- The very plain style went well with the changes starting in America during the 1910s. War was breaking out, so many cast-iron appliances were made with different materials.
- More concerned with helping or protesting the war, many Americans decorated their bathrooms to look nice, but not flashy.
VALUE
- Why is this piece an expression of the time period?
- It expressed the small amount of dedication people had to bathroom decoration in the 1910s (wartime). It was found in many homes, making it the essence of early 20th century bathrooms.
- How does it express the values and concerns of this decade?
- Its simplicity expresses the nation's concentration on war and politics, and obsession with change from the unsanitary conditions of outhouses to gleaming white indoor bathrooms.
- Why is it one of the best expressions of the time period compared to the others?
- No other bathroom style was prevalent from 1910 to 1920, and it represented the feelings and desires of Americans.
LIMITATIONS
- What can this item not tell us about the time period?
- The tiling design cannot tell us anything about the finer mechanics of flushes or drainage systems for 1910s bathrooms. Also, it says nothing about smaller, less mainstream designs of the 1910s.
- What were other voices saying around the same time that may not be illustrated by this piece?
- Others may have been angry that Americans were wasting their time decorating bathrooms when they could have been working or donating to troops and the wartime effort.
- Was this item unusual and counter to the period or was it mainstream and average for the time?
- This tiling and sanitary design was very much mainstream and average for a middle-class American bathroom in the
- Which voices/perspective are not seen in this item?
- The voices of the poor, who couldn't afford a shiny, modern bathroom. Those who advocated for different designs, as well.
SOURCES