Ours is said to be made from Frankoma clay tiles. Frankoma is typically known for pottery and bakeware. I love the bird carving inset. That's typical for the homes in my neighborhood. My duplex around the corner had a custom carving too.
Frankoma Pottery was first created in 1933 near Norman, OK by the world-renowned sculptor, craftsman, educator, and humanitarian, John Frank. From the beginning, he designed his products to be functional as well as artistic and to reflect the beauty of the Southwest. Frankoma strives to use colors and designs reminiscent of the world around us.
John Frank also brought something else to the business. He stated that 'the clay carries a piece of each person who touches it' and he refused to hire anyone who did not love their job. We feel the same way – there is something about the clay which holds on to the spirit of the eight to ten artisans who handle each piece.
Our house was built in 1929 so I'm not sure if our fireplace is truly Frankoma. Maybe I should email them.
Oh and check out the cow skull my dad let me have. When I was growing up he used to always gift me fur and small taxidermied animals for Christmas because I was (and still am) a vegetarian - just to be funny and contrary. But now I have developed a true love for all things fur and dead. Thanks, dad.
I just wanted to let you know I am so totally in love with your fireplace.
ReplyDeleteI think it's my favorite part of your house.
Especially the bird that graces that tile.
How unique is that.
Hey, I live in a 1929 vintage Cotswold-meets-prarie in Edmond, and our fireplace is almost identical. Lighter tile, different carvings, but distinctly Frankoma. There is some info at frankomaland.com, but it's pretty ambiguous. "You don't live IN an old house, you live WITH it!" cheers! Tim
ReplyDeleteHi Tim! Thank you for the comment! I never heard back from the folks at Frankoma but thanks to your comment I feel a little more confident in the fact that our fireplace is indeed Frankoma. You should send me a pic of your fireplace!
ReplyDeleteI believe the true supplier of the tiles used in these beautiful fireplaces and many of Oklahoma City's early homes was Batchelder.
ReplyDeleteHere are two links about Batchelder.
http://www.missiontilewest.com/styles/batchelder/1.html
http://www.tilenut.com/Batchelder/index.html
Dean - Thank you so much for the links! I'm digging through them now to see if I can find my fireplace.
ReplyDeleteTell Roy I said Hi.
ReplyDeleteDean - I just hollered at him from across the office that you say hi. He says "hi" back!
ReplyDelete