The Daily Dig

June 11, 2010

I love antiques and I love gardening, so when I stumbled across Wells Tile & Antiques I was a happy camper. As soon as you walk through the front door of this hidden gem, the antique tiles, garden-ware, pottery, and tile tables immerse your gardening soul. All the famous makers are represented here. Hillside, Bauer, Gladding McBean, Calco tiles, Batchelder tiles, Malibu tiles, Claycraft tiles, Catalina, San Jose Mission and many others stretch across the store as far as the eye can see.

Various California tiles from the 1920's

One of the many Victorian scenic trays representing some of the east coast tile companies

A colorful view...wouldn't you say?

I met with Scott Wells to talk about his store and everything glazed. He is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his extensive collection. His expertise and dedication has made him one of the leading authorities on antique tile and pottery. One of the goals of Wells is to educate people on the importance of historical tiles through preservation and conservation.

Tiles on the top shelf are made by Wheeling Tile Co. and Dec Art Tile Co. made the tiles on the second row in the 1940's

Tile tables from left to right. High-end Taylor Tile, D&M Tile, and Spanish style tile from the 20's

Rare Gladding McBean pot of a Mayan woman

Wells carries an amazing collection of art pottery, tiles, garden ware and furniture. They also provide installation and design services, tile restoration, appraisals, tile and pottery identification, and referrals for tile reproduction. Wells is located in the Echo Park area of Los Angeles. Whether you live in LA or are planning to visit soon, put Wells at the top of your list of things to see. You will thank me for it later.