Fonthill is a modern castle built of formed concrete. This stairway reads, Non domo dominus, sed domino domus, which means, "Not the master for the house, but the house for the master."

The Working Tileworks

• The Tileworks has an extensive gift shop where you can purchase tiles made at the pottery. You can also order handmade quarry tiles for any home improvement project.

• You can shop for tiles online, but orders are only taken over the phone or by mail. See the contact info below.

• Local clay is used for the tiles at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. Glazes are traditional lead-based, so the glazed pottery and tiles are not suitable for use with food.

• Many of the mosaics are created using different colors of clay rather than covering the tiles in glazes, so the mosaics can be used for foot traffic and will look great even with wear.

The "More Beyond" Man

• Henry Mercer was born in 1856 and died in 1930.

• He opened his tileworks in 1898 and ran the operation until 1930 when he left it to the factory manager.

• Henry Mercer's motto was "Plus Ultra," latin for "More Beyond".

• Henry Mercer was a proponent of the Arts and Crafts movement, and his designs reflect his respect for history and anthropology, especially early American history. His tiles can also be seen at the state capital in Harrisburg where he created a "History of Pennsylvania" mosaic.

The Basics for the Moravian Tileworks

• Tours are offered every half hour and begin with a 17-minute video followed by a self-guided tour of the factory.

• The Tileworks is open daily from 10:00-4:45. Adult admission for the tour is $3.50.

• The factory is a work of art in itself—the concrete walls are inlaid with various tiles of Mercer's design, and the factory is built in the Spanish-mission style.

• The Tileworks offers several educational programs including internships and tile-making workshops.

The Basics for Fonthill

• Fonthill is open Mon-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5. Adult admission is $7.00.

• A variety of programs are offered to the public including regular guided tours, special "Behind-the-Scenes" tours, programs specifically geared to students, holiday events and murder mysteries.

The Castle of Doylestown, PA

• Fonthill was built entirely of handmixed concrete in 1910.

• Fonthill has 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces, 32 stairwells, and over 200 windows.

Contact Information

Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
130 Swamp Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-345-6722
Fx: 215-345-1361
moravianpotteryandtileworks@co.bucks.pa.us, www.buckscounty.org/departments/tileworks

Fonthill
East Court Street and Route 313
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-9461
www.fonthillmuseum.org