Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Photo: Wikipedia.

Henry Chapman Mercer (1856 – 1930) was an American archaeologist, architect, potter, and tile maker, best known for his contributions to the American Arts & Crafts movement. Born into a wealthy family in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Mercer pursued deep interests in history, anthropology, and craftsmanship. Perhaps his most significant achievements was his founding of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in 1898. A National Historic Landmark, the current Tile Works was built between 1911 and 1912.

Henry Chapman Mercer, Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, Aries Tile (From the Zodiac Series). Photo: Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, New York.

Henry Chapman Mercer, Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, City of God Tile . Photo: Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse, New York.

Mercer believed in the value of handcraftsmanship and sought to create art that was both functional and beautiful. Inspired by medieval European tile designs and the traditions of the Moravian Church, a Protestant denomination with a strong emphasis on community and craftsmanship, he sought to revive traditional tile-making techniques, producing handcrafted tiles that featured intricate designs, often depicting scenes from nature, historical events, literature, and folklore. Mercer’s tiles can be found in prominent buildings across the United States.

The work of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works continues, with artisans using locally sourced Bucks County wild clay to make the heritage Moravian tiles from Mercer’s original design, thus preserving Mercer's legacy and showcasing his belief in the enduring value of traditional craftsmanship in a rapidly modernizing world. His work remains a significant part of American art history.