PA Historic Places

Exploring the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County

A collage of four photos taken at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania: the top-left image shows the historic building's exterior with a sign detailing its status as a National Historic Landmark; the top-right image features an artisan pressing a design into a clay tile; the bottom-left image displays a handcrafted tile with the word "PEACE" and two figures shaking hands; and the bottom-right image showcases shelves filled with a variety of handcrafted tiles for sale, all highlighting the traditional craftsmanship established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, you’re in the right place!

The exterior of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring its distinctive concrete architecture with large arched windows and a sign indicating the entrance, showcasing the historic building where handcrafted tiles are still produced using traditional methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works is a historic, working museum in Doylestown, where handcrafted decorative tiles are still made using traditional methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

An ornate fireplace surround at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring vibrant, handcrafted tiles depicting detailed scenes and architectural elements, showcasing the intricate artistry and traditional methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

About Henry Chapman Mercer

Mercer, a Renaissance-man with wide-ranging interests and a zest for travel, was deeply influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement, which emphasized handcrafted artistry over mass production.

Portrait of Henry Mercer (public domain image).

His fascination with history and archaeology led him to establish a tile factory that would preserve traditional American craftsmanship while creating works of art that told stories of the past.

A historic brick kiln at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, used for firing handcrafted tiles, accompanied by an old workbench and various tile-making tools, highlighting the traditional methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

By the early 1900s, Mercer had established himself as a leading creator of “artistic” tiles.

A handcrafted tile at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, depicting two figures shaking hands with the word "PEACE" between them, framed by decorative pillars and geometric patterns, showcasing the traditional artistry and craftsmanship established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

This motivated him to expand his operations, and by 1912, the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works had relocated to a larger, specially-designed facility near his home, Fonthill Castle.

A front-facing view of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, highlighting the expansive courtyard and unique architecture reminiscent of a Spanish monastery, where handcrafted tiles are still produced today using traditional methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

For the next three decades, Mercer’s work was highly sought after by prominent architects and trendsetters, adorning public and private buildings nationwide.

A detailed view of a colorful tile installation at the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of Henry Mercer's Moravian Tile Works. The tiles are arranged in a large mural, depicting various scenes and stories, including "The Wedding Dance," "Abraham and Isaac," and "The Oil Never Fails." Each panel is filled with vibrant, hand-crafted figures and intricate designs that tell a visual story. The tiles are set within the museum's concrete walls, with a large ceramic vase placed in an alcove at the base of the mural, adding to the historical ambiance of the display. The installation highlights Mercer's dedication to preserving traditional craftsmanship and storytelling through his artistic creations. A small plaque beside the mural provides additional context and information about the significance of the tiles.

His pioneering influence continues to inspire tilemakers today.

A display of colorful, handcrafted tiles featuring various designs such as animals, ships, and fruits at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, highlighting the continuation of traditional tile-making techniques established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

The design of the factory, inspired by Spanish monasteries Mercer had encountered in his travels, is a testament to his eclectic tastes.

The courtyard of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring arched doorways, picnic tables, and sunshades, surrounded by the historic concrete structure where traditional handcrafted tiles are still produced using methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works is located at 130 East Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA 18901.

The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am. – 4 pm.

A weathered historical marker sign at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, titled "Highways of History," indicating the site's significance and its association with the Bucks County Historical-Tourist Commission, emphasizing the historical importance of this location where traditional handcrafted tiles are still produced.

Admission fees as of 2024 are: Adults 13-59: $15 | Seniors 60+ and Military: $10 | Kids 4-13: $8 | Ages 0-4: Free.

A collection of vintage tools and equipment used in the original tile-making process at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, displayed in a workshop setting that reflects the traditional methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century, including a steam engine and various molds and machines used in the production of handcrafted tiles.

What You’ll See at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works

Today, Mercer’s factory is operated by Bucks County, and it remains a working history museum where visitors can explore the process of tile-making much as it was done over a century ago.

A collection of large, intricately carved molds used for making clay tiles at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, showcasing detailed scenes and figures, stored alongside a wooden cart in a dimly lit area of the historic workshop where traditional tile-making methods are still practiced.

A visit to the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works begins with a short introductory video that conveys the history and significance of Mercer’s work.

Visitors seated in a dimly lit room at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, watching an introductory film that explains the traditional tile-making process established by Henry Chapman Mercer, surrounded by shelves and displays showcasing the handcrafted tiles produced at this historic working museum.

The tour that follows takes you through the factory’s various workspaces, where you can witness firsthand the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each tile.

A display at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, showcasing various handcrafted decorative tiles in different stages of completion, along with tools and molds used in the traditional tile-making process, set against a rustic wooden workbench and brick wall.

The methods used to create the tiles have changed little over the past hundred years, with the primary exceptions being the replacement of coal-fired kilns and the modernization of some glazes to reduce lead content.

An artisan at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, pressing a design into a clay tile using traditional methods, with a completed colorful mosaic tile featuring a bird and leaves visible on the table beside him, showcasing the continuation of early 20th-century craftsmanship established by Henry Chapman Mercer.

The tiles produced today still use local red clay and adhere to Mercer’s original designs, ensuring that each piece is a continuation of his legacy.

A comparison of a finished, colorful mosaic tile featuring a bird and leaves next to its original pattern sketch, displayed on a table in front of a brick kiln at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where traditional handcrafted tiles are still produced using early 20th-century methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer.

For those who wish to take a piece of this history home, the factory’s gift shop offers a variety of tiles made on-site.

Shelves filled with a variety of handcrafted tiles for sale at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, showcasing intricate designs and patterns, all created using traditional methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century, set against the rustic interior of the historic workshop.

Each tile is a small piece of art, reflecting the rich heritage of Mercer’s work.

Shelves filled with a variety of handcrafted tiles on display at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, showcasing intricate designs including zodiac symbols, numbers, and decorative patterns, all made using traditional methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

While the shop does not sell tiles made during Mercer’s lifetime, several displays throughout the tour offer a chance to see these historic pieces up close.

A detailed wall display at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a series of intricately designed tiles titled "Tiles of the New World," each depicting historical scenes and figures, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of Henry Chapman Mercer's traditional tile-making methods from the early 20th century.

Final Thoughts

The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works is not just a place to observe artistry but also a place to feel the enduring influence of one man’s passion for preserving history through craft.

A beautifully ornate fireplace inside the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring intricate handcrafted tile work and a variety of historical artifacts displayed on the surrounding walls, including spinning wheels and other tools, set in a rustic, arched concrete space that reflects the early 20th-century craftsmanship of Henry Chapman Mercer's designs.

Paired with visits to Fonthill Castle and the Mercer Museum, a trip to the tile works offers a glimpse into another facet of Mercer’s fascinating life and legacy.

A display at the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, titled "One Man – Three Buildings." The text on the display explains that the Mercer Museum is one of three reinforced concrete structures designed and built by Henry Mercer. The first building is Fonthill, his home, which he referred to as the "Castle for the New World." The second is the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works, a Spanish mission-style building where he produced Arts & Crafts Era tiles. The third is the Mercer Museum, an addition to the brick Elkins Building, constructed for the Bucks County Historical Society. These three buildings are collectively known as Doylestown's "Mercer Mile." The display highlights Mercer's architectural vision and his contributions to preserving American history and culture.

For anyone with an interest in art, history, or architecture, this site is a must-see destination in Bucks County.

A wide view of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, showcasing the historic concrete structure with its distinctive architecture, including various towers, chimneys, and arched windows, set against a clear blue sky and surrounded by greenery, where traditional handcrafted tiles are still produced using early 20th-century methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer.

Nearby Attractions

Fonthill Castle, Henry Mercer’s home in Doylestown, is a sprawling 19,000-square-foot structure with European-inspired design that now operates as a museum, attracting visitors from across the globe.

A collage of four images showcasing different aspects of Fonthill Castle in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The top left image displays the castle's striking exterior, highlighting its unique architecture under a clear blue sky. The top right image captures the detailed interior of a room with a grand fireplace, surrounded by bookshelves and intricate tile work. The bottom left image shows a hallway with a wooden door, vaulted ceilings, and ornate tiles adorning the walls. The bottom right image presents a cozy bedroom, complete with a single bed, antique furniture, and framed artwork on the walls, showcasing the historical and artistic ambiance of the castle.

The Mercer Museum in Doylestown is a six-story concrete castle housing over 17,000 pre-Industrial tools and artifacts collected by Henry Mercer, offering a comprehensive portrait of early American life.

A collage of four photos showcasing various aspects of the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The top left image displays the museum's interior, highlighting suspended artifacts such as boats and carriages within the concrete structure. The top right photo features a collection of vintage woodworking tools arranged on workbenches and walls, reflecting early American craftsmanship. The bottom left image captures the exterior view of the Mercer Museum, with its distinctive six-story reinforced concrete castle-like architecture amidst greenery. The bottom right photo offers another perspective of the museum's interior, showcasing more suspended artifacts and the intricate design of the museum space. This collage collectively illustrates the museum's dedication to preserving and showcasing pre-Industrial American material culture through its extensive collection of tools and artifacts.

The Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County (VAMPA) is a must-see destination for those fascinated by the supernatural and mythical!

A collage of four photos from the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows an elegant room with chandeliers, religious artifacts, and glass display cases. The top-right image features a skeleton-themed chair and various medieval artifacts. The bottom-left image displays a richly decorated room with an ornate fireplace, statues, and a large painting. The bottom-right image highlights an intricately carved vampire hunting trunk filled with wooden stakes, crucifixes, and other tools.

The New Hope Railroad offers enchanting sightseeing journeys through Bucks County aboard meticulously restored historic trains, blending scenic beauty with a rich heritage of rail travel.

A collage of four photos showcasing the New Hope Railroad in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, including: the historic Witch's Hat train station with a maroon locomotive beside it under a blue sky; the train winding through a lush forested area; passengers seated inside an open-air observation car with wooden benches; and a bright red "Welcome to the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad" sign at the station entrance, inviting visitors to "ride the rails back in time."

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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