For Immediate Release

April 6, 2009

Contact: Sarah Carpenter 518-434-0155

ALBANY TILE STILL SELLING DUTCH DELFT TILES, AN ALBANY TRADITION SINCE 17TH CENTURY

Celebrate Quadricentennial With Dutch Delft Tiles at Albany Tile

ALBANY, N.Y. –Delft tiles from Holland have been a part of Albany culture since the earliest Dutch settlers brought them over. One Albany business still sells these iconic blue and white ceramic tiles, imported directly from the Netherlands.

“Incorporating Delft tiles into your home or office tiling project could be a great way to celebrate the Henry Hudson Quadricentennial this year,” said Sarah Carpenter, co-owner of Albany Tile. “You could also use Delft tiles to make a pot rest, a decorative clock or just display a few on your mantle or around the house.”

During the 17th Century, potters in the Delft region of the Netherlands began to imitate the blue and white porcelain, commonly called “China,” that reached Holland from Asia. At first, Dutch craftsman adorned their tiles with Asian scenes. But soon they began to decorate them with more local/regional scenes of windmills, ships, animals, children and floral patterns.

Delft tiles dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries can be found in many historic homes in the upper Hudson Valley. They also surface frequently in archaeological excavations in Albany and can be seen on exhibit at The New York State Museum, the Albany Institute of History and Art, Fort Crailo and other cultural institutions in the area.

Today, Albany Tile offers an extensive selection of hand-molded and hand-painted Delft tiles imported directly from Harligen, Netherlands.

Though Carpenter said Delft tile isn’t one of the most popular lines carried by her business, she may see an increased interest in the Dutch tiles now that the region is celebrating the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s 1609 arrival in Albany.

Regardless of whether people are interested in Delft tile or any other kind of ceramic, glass, metal or stone tile, Carpenter said now is a good time for people to invest in tile for their homes.

“The new home market isn’t doing well. But we’re seeing a lot of clients who are excited to upgrade the homes that they have,” Carpenter said. “Tile is a great investment to make in your quality of life. Tile is attractive, durable and easy-to-clean, and it can really help bring the style and aesthetics of your home into the 21st century…even if the tile you choose has its origins in the 17th Century.”

Albany Tile is a 77-year-old, family-owned business located at 452 North Pearl Street in North Albany. This year, Albany Tile opened a newly renovated 5,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art showroom. Albany Tile offers a huge selection of ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal and stone tile, with more than 2,500 samples displayed in its North Albany showroom.

While Albany Tile’s selection includes some budget offerings like those seen in the big-box stores, its selection goes much deeper and farther afield. All of the Albany Tile design consultants hold degrees in interior design or art and are eager to help their clients achieve their visions.

For information, visit http://AlbanyTile.com Call 518-434-0155.

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