ENGLAND, Lambeth (manufacturer)
Pill tile
(c. 1700)

Medium
earthenware

Measurements
27.1 × 24.4 × 2.2 cm

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Bequest of Sir Anthony Jephcott, 2011

Gallery location
17th Century & Flemish Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International

About this work

This tile is decorated with the arms granted to the Society of Apothecaries in 1612, depicting Apollo, the inventor of physics, in the centre along with the arms of the City of London below. The arms of the City of London suggest that the original owner was a Freeman of the City. The tile is pierced at the top for hanging, and most pill tiles appear to have been used for display only. This tile, however, shows signs of use as a slab for pill making or grinding.

Artwork Details

Accession Number
2017.468

Department
International Decorative Arts

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ENGLAND, Lambeth (manufacturer) Pill tile (c. 1700)

Artwork Details

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ENGLAND, Lambeth (manufacturer)
Pill tile
(c. 1700)