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Your Historic Tile Fireplace Could Be Worth Thousands!
Historic homes, particularly in areas like East Dallas and Oak Cliff, often contain unique and valuable architectural details. Among these, historic tile fireplace surrounds and hearths are frequently overlooked, sometimes to the point of being painted over or even removed. The destruction of a unique Hutsell-designed house at 7226 Lakewood Blvd., along with its expensive vintage fireplace, highlights the significant loss that can occur when such features are not recognized for their value. These fireplaces, especially those dating back to the 1920s or 1930s, can be worth around $20,000.
The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the value of features within historic homes, especially fireplace tiles. While Rookwood and Batchelder tiles are well-known, other equally significant brands include Calco, Malibu, and Muresque. Researching these tiles can be challenging due to common copying among tile companies, but the potential financial and historical value makes the effort worthwhile. For instance, a single Rookwood vintage scenic landscape tile can rent for $2,800, a Calco vintage tile of California Redwoods can retail for $2,600, and a Muresque vintage Mayan tile from 1934 can fetch $1,200. Batchelder tiles are commonly found in Lakewood's historic homes, while Rookwood is often seen in homes on Swiss Avenue.
The history behind these tile companies reveals their significance. Ernest Batchelder, a leader in the American Arts and Crafts movement, started making pottery, tile, and metalwork in the early 1900s. His backyard kiln hobby evolved into a successful business by 1909, with his neutral-colored tiles featuring natural motifs gaining widespread popularity. Batchelder tiles were integrated into fireplace catalogs and used in homes and commercial buildings across the country, including the notable Hotel Hershey. His original home, now known as the Batchelder House, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and his work is documented in the definitive history "Batchelder Tilemaker."
Rookwood Pottery, established by Maria Longworth Nichols Storer in 1879, predates Batchelder. Storer, a pioneering woman in her time, founded the company after developing a passion for painting China. She broke barriers as the first woman in Cincinnati to own a pottery shop and received numerous accolades for her work. After her husband's death, she handed the company over to William Taylor, who incorporated it. Today, Rookwood Pottery continues to produce tiles and pottery, retaining its original master molds, glaze formulas, and notes. This lineage underscores the artistic and historical importance of these tiles.
For historic tiled fireplaces that have been painted over, restoration is possible. The article recommends consulting a preservationist for proper restoration techniques, citing construction consultant and designer Carol Gantt as a knowledgeable resource in Dallas. Gantt's experience includes salvaging entire fireplaces by carefully cutting out walls to move them. She advises homeowners of historic properties against making hasty decisions, encouraging them to live with their fireplaces. She posits that these well-built pieces are designed to last, and while trends come and go, historic tiles contribute significant value and sophistication to a home. The enduring presence of these tiles adds approximately $20,000 to a property's value, underscoring the importance of preserving them rather than replacing them with temporary trends.
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