Biography

J. & J. G. Low Art Tile Works was a prominent American manufacturer of decorative ceramic tiles, active from 1877 to 1902 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. The company was founded by John Gardner Low and his father John Low after they were inspired by European tiles showcased at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. The company became known for its high-relief decorative art tiles, which were used to embellish a variety of objects including candlesticks, cast-iron stoves, clocks, and fireplace surrounds. During the 1880s, J. & J. G. Low Art Tile Works gained recognition and won awards both in the United States and Europe for their innovative and artistic tile designs. The company played a significant role in the American Arts and Crafts movement, influencing the aesthetic of decorative arts during that period. Notably, several chemists and designers who worked for the company, such as William H. Grueby and Arthur Osborne, went on to establish their own successful tile companies, further extending the impact of Low Art Tile Works in the ceramic arts industry. The tiles produced by J. & J. G. Low Art Tile Works are still sought after by collectors for their craftsmanship and historical significance.