Henry Chapman Mercer: A man of few words but tiles, tiles, TILES

Henry Chapman Mercer. Historian, collector, potter, pyrophobic. He is well known today for his vast collection of artifacts and artwork that can be found on his estate, Fonthill. What's more is his popular tile company Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. But who really is Henry Mercer? He sounds great on paper but did he have any friends? Girlfriend? Boyfriend? The truth is Henry Mercer lived a sort of hermit-like existence. Never married and hardly ever photographed. He enjoyed smoking cigars, reading art books and following those things up with a cat nap. It is said that Mercer had a strong distaste for womens hats that were embellished with feathers. Was it due to his dedication to preserving the wildlife? Not sure, he did, however, have such an interest in preservation that he established an arboretum on Fonthill. Mercer also had a strong love of dogs, preferring those with some Chesapeake Bay Retriever blood but when it came down to it, he could enjoy any dog.

Mercer was often sick due to an unfortunate vacation to Europe in 1881. It was there he contracted venereal disease more commonly known today as gonorrhea. But that didn't stop him from living his dream. After he inherited a hefty sum of money from his Aunt Lela, he bought 70 acres of land in Doylestown, Pa of which his turned into his pottery chateau (thanks Aunt Lela!). First he built his home which was made up entirely of cement. Why cement? Because of Mercer's strong fear of house fires. His house is castle like. Having no electricity, the house is illuminated by natural light that pours through the endless number of windows. There are 21 chimneys and 18 fireplaces. Everywhere you turn you enter another room each decorated in a unique way.

His Moravian Pottery and Tile Works building is just as exquisite as his home. Also made of concrete and covered with windows. Some say it resembles a Spanish Mansion. That might be a bit of stretch but nonetheless it's here he presses tiles, glazes them and fires the tiles to be sold to the public. They are quite popular. You can see them throughout the bucks county area embedded on the sidewalks, hanging up near fireplaces, and even in offices.

Theres no doubt that Henry Chapman Mercer has made an impact on the world of art as we know it today. He has certainly made Doylestown a more worth while place to visit.