Sunday, April 23, 2017

Tilework at the Getty Villa

We finally saw the Getty Villa in Los Angeles, a place I've wanted to visit for years. It exceeded my dreams. All of J. Paul Getty's art was housed in the Villa until the Getty Center was built about 20 years ago. Now the Villa showcases ancient Roman and Greek objects only.

Although it didn't seem overly crowded, there were people everywhere. I never could get a photo without others in it whether it was scenic or detail. Ah, well.

We all know that tile floors make good quilt designs. Many artists have already made quilts based on various floors throughout Europe and there are even books of them. But this villa had so many elaborate tiles. This one reminds me of the center medallion on my Sampler quilt.

Medallion tile floor at Getty Villa
There was a similar medallion outside, too.

Medallion tile in the
outer courtyard at the Getty Villa.

The tile in this room is the same block design. Only the centers of alternate blocks are changed.

Tile floors enhance t
he statuary at the Getty Villa.

Here's a detail of the floor although the contrast is not as good.

Detail of tile floor at Getty Villa.

This lovely curved design was in an entry.


This one appears to have pieced sashing.


Where would we be without tumbling blocks?

Tumbling Blocks
tile floor at Getty Villa

The Greek Key design always creates a fantastic border.

Greek Key tile variation at Getty Villa

Here's my favorite. It bordered a shallow, interior pool. Don't you love the towers and battlements? Almost medieval feel although it's a Roman replica.

Tine tiles create a city wall
with battlements around a shallow,
interior pool at the Getty Villa.

Not all the tiles were flooring. Some created beautiful fountains including this colorful wall fountain.

Getty Villa wall fountain
flows into a pool

Enjoy the day, Ann

17 comments:

Monica said...

My goodness, what an amazing place! There must have been an army of stoneworkers involved. I particularly like the triangle circles, like your sampler block. Thanks for the photos!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

What a beautiful place - the inspiration is amazing - were you just itching to go home and create? Thanks for the lovely photos!!

Ann said...

He had the Villa built as a replica of a specific home in Pompeii. I'm not sure if all the floors were copied from that one villa or from a variety. Quite lovely though.

Ann said...

I'd love to visit again - didn't leave until they closed.

Sujata Shah said...

Wow! I must put it on my list! I see a new quilt coming out of your sewing room.. These are amazing photos of inspiring patterns.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Fantastic -- thanks for the mini tour!

Ann said...

The Getty Center is fabulous, too. Well worth two or three days to see both.

Ann said...

It was a treat to visit this Villa. A wonderful way to live with all rooms opening onto an interior garden. The breezes kept it very comfortable.

margaret said...

no excuse now for saying you do t know what to make with all this inspiration there will be no stopping you

patty a. said...

I can't even imagine how much that tile work would cost today. Unbelievable talent it took to do that work.

Ann said...

The medallions were certainly inspiring.

Ann said...

I can't either, Patty. Finding and shipping the stone, cutting and placing it. Wow. And how did they cut those curves in ancient times without modern tools? Wow.

Mystic Quilter said...

Wonderful tile patterns, that photo sixth up from the bottom of your post is superb but I don't think I would want to attempt a recreation of that in fabric!

Marie said...

OMG - the place is one great quilt block after another!

Janie said...

You were in LA to visit! And you got to go to the Villa. I loved the gardens with their walk ways. All the tile designs are amazing,
quilts done in tile. Thanks for sharing your photos.

Ann said...

It was such a treat. Like you, I loved the gardens. Very interested with the way indoors and outdoors mixed here. So cool and refreshing.

Nancy said...

What gorgeous fun! Inspiration for a dozen -- or more! -- quilts. Thanks for sharing.