MANUFACTURE

Delftware tiles are made from an earthenware body that is rolled out "at like pastry and separated with ridges on a board. Most measure 5in square and ¼in thick, although earlier examples can be up to 1in thick. Tiles are coated in a tin glaze, a substance containing lead that is opaque white from the inclusion of oxide. The glaze is then left to dry before being decorated and !red.