FUNCTION

In damp 17th- century houses, tiles had obvious practical bene ! ts for lining walls and helping to prevent the penetration of moisture and mice. In Holland, entire walls of kitchens, cellars and dairies were covered in tiles, which were also used for skirtings and for the lower part of entrance halls. Biblical narrative scenes may also have been used to instruct children. Delft tiles were also used on a grand scale in lavish interiors such as Château de Rambouillet, Château de Beauregard and the Nymphenburg Palace in Munich. In 18th- century England, meanwhile, tiles were often used to line the interior of !replaces.