Moravian Pottery and Tile Works – American Arts and Crafts in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is a remarkable example of American Arts and Crafts architecture. The building was designed not only as a working pottery but as a physical embodiment of the Arts and Crafts ideals of honest materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and architectural individuality.
The façade is alive with organic asymmetry: irregular rooflines, arched windows of varying sizes, and the rhythmic play of recessed and projecting forms. The parapet gable at the center undulates with a soft, curving profile, capped by red brick trim, and accented with a circular tile medallion that reflects the building’s purpose.
The building exudes a sense of workshop romanticism—a place where art and labor blend seamlessly. Every detail, from the hand-set windows to the carved ornamentation, tells of Mercer’s belief in preserving traditional craft techniques in an age of growing industrialization. The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works remains not just a functional pottery but also a living architectural testament to the American Arts and Crafts movement.
Location: 130 E Swamp Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901
Website: https://www.thetileworks.org/