Cleveland's branch libraries built prior to 1930 typically included fire places in both the adult and children's reading rooms as a design feature to create a feeling of homelike comfort.  Decorative ceramic art tile, popularized by the Arts and Crafts movement, were utilized around the fireplace openings. Library architects chose tile from important American potteries: the Grueby Pottery in Boston, the Pewabic Pottery in Detroit, and the Moravian Tile and Pottery works in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Rice Branch, built in 1927 by architects Walker and Weeks, originally had two fireplaces that were covered over as part of a modernization and renovation of the building in 1981. Prior to 2008, Library staff believed that both fireplaces had been totally removed, and that any art tiles were lost or destroyed.  When plans for the relocation of the Rice Branch to a new building were approved earlier this year, the Library administration decided to verify the existence of the original fireplaces.  Checking behind the drywall, carpenters confirmed that the adult room fireplace had been removed, but they were surprised to find the original children's room fireplace and its Moravian art tile simply covered over. With guidance from the Intermuseum Conservation Association, the tiles were carefully removed and will be restored.

Henry Chapman Mercer established the Moravian Tile and Pottery works in 1899 to revive the ceramic heritage of the Pennsylvania German and Moravian potters. His interest in the legacy of pre-industrial culture began with his work as an archeologist and museum curator. Prizing the handwork of craftsmen over modern industrialized production, he became an American counterpart to England's William Morris in his efforts to reunite decorative beauty with functional objects. His tile, inspired by traditional Moravian designs as well as medieval patterns, folk arts, and Biblical stories, became very popular. The designs were pressed into the clay with a hand-operated tile press. Glazes were added for color and textural effects.

Now operated by the Bucks County department of Parks and Recreation, the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works is a national historic landmark and a working museum. Many of the tile designs continue to be produced using the same, hand-made processes developed by Henry Mercer. The duck, rabbit, castle, and Dragon of Acre used at the Rice Branch in 1927 are still produced and for sale today.

Moravian tile from the Rice Branch Children's Room

Moravian Pottery & Tile Works