Smethwick.
Tile Works.—Mr. T. W. Camm commenced the business of Art decoration of tiles in 1866, in Brewery Street, and later on new buildings were erected in High Street. Having been joined in partnership by Messrs. J. M. and H. C. Camm, the business was carried on under the style of “Camm Brothers”—the general management of the business being divided into three departments, each under the special management of one of the partners, the first-named taking the designing department, the second the painting, and the third the glazing. By this excellent arrangement the whole processes from beginning to end are carried on under the eye of the entire firm, and thus excellence in each is insured. Messrs. Camm Brothers do not manufacture the tiles themselves, but purchase them in their unglazed state and then decorate and glaze them. Their designs are extremely varied, and the whole being hand-painted they are adapted to the tastes and requirements of their customers and designed in strict accordance with the style of building they are intended to adorn. The figure subjects, whether allegorical, historical, or otherwise, the productions of this firm, are of the highest order; the drawing bold, firm, masterly, and effective, and the colouring rich, full, and harmonious. Some other larger works, notably historical plaques of two or three feet in length and proportionate depth, are grand in conception, and form historical pictures of considerable value. The firm also produce appropriate tile-decorations for furniture, cheeks of fire-places, hearths, linings of bath and other rooms, friezes, memorial figures and other designs for churches and for every purpose where they can be made available, and these are characterized by the same good taste that is shown in their stained glass. The mark is simply the name “CAMM BROTHERS, SMETHWICK.”