A Gambier advertising tile

November 2007

In the 1890s, the Gambier factory was expanding with a new branch. In addition to refractory earthenware, wall tiles made of pressed clay came into production, on the visible side provided with an under glaze decoration. It turned out to be a successful article with which a good turnover was achieved for around twenty years. Not surprising that promotional material was made for the promotion of this tile industry. For instance a large red-glazed tile dedicated to the Carreaux Gambier. For the pipe industry, a counterpart was designed, a green-tinted tile fitted with Pipes Gambier with the image of a smoking man under a wide-brimmed hat, a short clay pipe in his hand, gently blowing clouds of smoke. The representation is placed in a circle, the corners are filled in with simple lines. Especially in the letters we recognize art nouveau influences. Interesting is also the back of the tile, where in addition to a roughening of blocks and stripes for better adhesion in the wall, there is a mark. Central is the initial mark JG, which is still important at that time, although a radiant sun has been placed between them. During that period this mark was used as well for briar pipes. Along the edge of the brand name we read the words Givet and Paris, respectively the production site and the city where the trading office was located. It is still unclear for whom this tile was intended: a promotional gift for customers or an item for sale, although the target group is unclear in the latter case.

Amsterdam Pipe Museum APM 19.007

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