Improvements in Decorative Plaques, Tiles, and the like, and in the Method of Manufacturing the same.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Oct., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 3rd July, 1893-Accepted, 26th Aug., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Decorative Plaques, Tiles, and the like, and in the
Method of Manufacturing the same.
I, ELIE JUMEAU, of 20 Avenue Lowendall, Paris, in the Republic of France,
Sculpteur Mosaiste, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
"
My invention relates to the manufacture of tiles, plaques, and the like of a
decorative character, all of which are to be understood when the word "plaque'
is herein after used.
This new kind of decorative plaque is intended to take the place of decorative
painting done by hand either with or without shading, as well as pottery, mosaics,
and the like, whether applied to walls or ceilings.
One of the distinctive features of my invention is that the designs produced are
inlaid, and penetrate, to some extent, the substance of the plaque forming part and
parcel of it and not, as in the case of decorative painting, being solely on the
surface.
According to my invention I use in the manufacture of such plaques a suitable
plaster, preferably plaster of paris, that is to say gypsum, or sulphate of lime,
which lends itself better than any other I am acquainted with to a very faithful
execution and manufacture of this kind of plaque.
This plaster together with textile fabric, preferably a hempen cloth, constitutes
the product known, and hereinafter referred to, under the name of "staff" which
combined with the use of ochres and colouring earths, or other materials, serves for
the production of this manufacture.
The manufacture of plaques according to this invention admits of considerable
variety of treatment, but the most simple is the following varying slightly
according to the particular use for which plaques are intended, for instance walls,
or ceilings &c.
The method of producing different classes of ornamentation will be best
understood from the following description of the process to be followed in different
cases.
86
In the manufacture of plaques to take the place of decorative painting without
shading, that is to say of the kind known as pounce" or stump" designs I
proceed as follows:
CC
Let us suppose that it is desired to reproduce on a plaque a small ornament, say
for instance a quatrefoil, painted in blue on a plaque with a yellow back ground
surrounded by a black border or bead. First a model in plaster must be made in
the ordinary manner, the back ground around the ornament must be lowered say
for instance about 3 millimetres, the bead, as well as the ornament being left in
relief. The model being thus finished the mould may be proceeded with which will
give a negative of the model that is to say, the ornament and the bead will be
sunk. This mould will now be used (it being first soaped in order to facilitate
the removal from it of the casting) and plaster of paris for example, or other like
material, is to be run into it, the plaster being previously mixed with sufficient
water, such water having first been coloured with an earthy or other suitable
colouring substance, in the case we are supposing this would be blue, and the
blue coloured plaster is introduced into the mould, that is to say into the cavity
forming the ornamental device. The same process is to be followed to obtain the
black bead, or border. Before the plaster is completely dry the surface of each

page_text: portion is to be roughened, and then a layer of white plaster (to economise colour)
is run over them to unite the two parts. This plaster, in order to give it hardness
and to prevent its cracking may be mixed with lime, alum, gum arabic, gelatine
glue, sulphate of zinc, or the like, and over this layer is to be spread the cloth
thoroughly impregnated with plaster. The surface is then smoothed as much as
possible, the plaster allowed to set, and the cast afterwards turned out.
The cast, thus obtained, will show the ornament coloured blue, the black border,
and the background sunk and white. To get the required yellow background this
hollow space must be filled with plaster coloured yellow, and when it is beginning
to set, a straight-edge is passed over it in order to clear away the excess of yellow
plaster which may project beyond the surfaces of the blue and black. This
smoothing down being finished a very faithful reproduction of the design will have
been obtained. There only remains to allow the plaque to dry completely; and
if it be desired to give it a more finished appearance, more durability and render it
capable of being washed, it may be varnished. However complicated the device
to be produced may be the operation will be the same, the only difference being in
the design to be produced and the variety and quality of its colors.
'
For the manufacture of plaques imitating mosaics, I proceed as follows:
This manufacture is about the same as the foregoing. Given a design of coloured
mosaic ornaments, the reproduction of it can be executed in an absolutely faithful
manner no matter how many colors there may be nor their arrangement, or variety.
In order to do this the pattern, or model, must be produced, which will be done by
taking a plaster plaque with a smooth surface upon which will be traced as many
vertical and horizontal lines as the size of the design will require, these lines
traced at equal distance, or otherwise, will give small squares which will together
form a check pattern. These outlines being traced they will be engraved to a
depth of about 1 to 2 millimetres. If it is judged necessary this plaque may be
soaped in order to facilitate the subsequent turning out of the mould, and the
plaster then run in which will give in relief the sunk outlines of the model. These
reliefs will separate between them the different colors which will then be turned
into each one of these little compartments, according to the design. In order to
avoid any error and to gain time care must be taken to mark each little compartment
with a special sign referring to the color which it should contain or even to make
use for each color of a plate bearing some square openings in those positions only
where this colour should be poured.
Care must be taken, as in the previous case, before they become completely dry,
to rough each little square of coloured plaster, thereby forming teeth, so that the
plaster, and the cloth, which has to be put over them on completion, attaches them
very solidly to each other. Afterwards the mould will be turned out and the hollow,
or empty spaces made by the divisions, or reliefs, will be filled with colored plaster.
Finally the plaster will be dried, and afterwards varnished.
For the manufacture of plaques in ceramic "staff" with spaces in bas-relief, or in
relief, with slightly convex ornaments, or in bas-relief I proceed as follows:
As in the case of the two preceding varieties the process of manufacture only
varies in the mould being composed of two parts, one of which, at least, is in metal.
The first part consists of the mould proper, the mould resulting from the model
made according to the shape of the design as in the case of the class of designs
before mentioned. This mould is in plaster and the design to reproduce is either
in bas-relief, or in relief, the outline of the design resulting in the respective cases
either in relief, or sunk to the depth of about one millimetre; furthermore the
design will be outlined by an incision, or relief, of 1 millimetre in depth; as the
case may be, so that the proof, or cast, will appear with the design divided into
spaces either in bas relief, or in relief; according to the style and the effect which
it is desired to reproduce.
The second part consists of a metallic arrangement, or grating, which fits exactly
into the hollow partition, or lays on the space in relief. This arrangement serves
solely to separate and prevent the mixture of the colours turned into the mould.

page_text: For greater convenience in the introduction of the colored plaster in the mould,
this arrangement should not exceed 1 or 2 millimetres at its edges, and 3 or 4 milli-
metres in its total thickness. In order to obtain the proof, or cast, the same
process will be followed as in the kinds already described with the exception, in
this case, that the grating will first have to be taken away, the spaces being filled,
then the grating which occupied the partition spaces will be replaced by black, or
some other colored plaster.
The manufacture will terminate in the same way as in the case of the two first
varieties enumerated above.
For making plaques representing tapestry, capable of replacing artistic shaded
painting I proceed as follows:
As in previous cases the model must first he produced, which will consist of
engraved lines forming between them squares, or rectangles, as may be indicated
by the outlines of the colored design to be reproduced. The model or pattern will
then be moulded so as to reproduce on lines in bas-relief, and in relief, the outlines
of the aforesaid squares and rectangles which had been engraved and the object of
which is to separate the colors the one from the other in the same way as the
grating in the aforesaid ceramic plaque. Care must be taken, as in the case of the
mosaics, to mark each little square with a special mark to represent the color it has
to receive and also to rough each one so as to form little teeth, as it were, to
facilitate adhesion. The operation will then be completed, as in the preceding
cases, by the layer of plaster and cloth. The cast or mould will then be turned
out, it will be allowed to dry and afterwards varnished. As may be seen on the
proof or cast thus obtained all the ridges of the squares, or rectangles, will appear
in bas-relief on the mould. It will not be necessary to fill them up as these lines
in bas-relief are invisible at 2 metres and give more force to the colours by the very
light shadow which they cast. By this process may be obtained plaques giving
exact imitations of embroidery, tapestry, Gobelin tapestry and also shaded flowers
of a highly decorative effect, or even portraits giving satisfactory results as to
resemblance.
One may also leave the ornament selected, roses for instance, in relief of
1 or 2 millimetres on the background, which gives them a certain graceful appearance
in relief.
To produce plaques, or plates, imitating shaded decorative artistic painting by
inlaying. I proceed as follows:
This class of plaque by the method of production belongs to the class already
mentioned above as imitating canvas, tapestry, with the sole exception that in this
class imitating shaded artistic painting the outlines of the design are faithfully
reproduced, as well as the outlines of the shadows, or backgrounds, which are
abruptly and gradually broken off by a line confining them.
As to
As already mentioned, in this process each of the designs, or back grounds, which
should require a different color, will be limited by special lines, which designs or
backgrounds will therefore be surrounded and each one confined by a line.
dissolved shades-they will be divided into as many parts as may be considered
necessary to obtain the desired effect.
In execution the process will be the same as for tapestry, except as stated that
all the partitions of the mould for the style imitating shaded decorative painting
will not be obtained by horizontal, or vertical lines, but by the outline of the design,
and the outlines given by the shadows or backgrounds. These partitions therefore
may be of any and every geometrical shape, round, oval &c., as may be required by
the design or shadow.
The advantages resulting from the use of this new style of plaques are as
may be seen very numerous. We will content ourselves with enumerating the
principal ones which are :
1st. Cost of production much less than in the decoration on pottery, porcelain,
painting, mosaics &c.

page_text: 2nd. Absolute rigidity for the purposes for which it is destined, viz.: plaques,
or tiles, for walls, ceilings &c.
3rd. Very light weight, important advantage for ceilings.
4th. Indefinite durability, it being impossible for the colors to fade as the
designs are made up of actual blocks of color incorporated with the tile or other
object.
Dated the Sixth day of October 1892.
NEWNHAM BROWNE,
Agent for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Decorative Plaques, Tiles, and the like, and in the
Method of Manufacturing the same.
I, ELIE JUMEAU, of 73 Cheapside, London, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to an improved manufacture of decorative slabs, tiles or
plaques intended to replace decorative painting with or without shading as also the
ordinary painting on tiles, mosaics, marbles &c. for covering walls or ceilings. The
designs which I produce by my method are inlaid and penetrate to a certain extent
into the body of the slab, tile or plaque or the like, forming one therewith,
instead of being merely produced on the surface thereof like ordinary decorative
painting.
I employ for the purposes of my invention, plaster, preferably plaster of paris
because it adapts itself in a very perfect manner to the production of this kind of
decoration. This plaster is combined with textile materials, preferably hemp,
canvas and with ochres or other earth pigments.
I will explain the manner of carrying out my said invention with reference to
various kinds of applications.
For manufacturing tiles or slabs intended to replace decorative painting, such as
for example for reproducing the design shewn at Fig. 1 of the accompanying
drawing which is assumed to be painted blue on a yellow ground, with a black
border.
I first form in the ordinary manner a plaster model or pattern thereof as at
Fig. 2, in which the ground surrounding the design a is sunk, say to the extent
of 3 m.m. below the latter, leaving also the surrounding bead or fillet c in relief.
From the pattern thus produced a reverse is obtained by casting as at Fig. 3, in
which consequently the design a and fillet care recessed while the ground bis in
relief, and this now serves as a mould for the production of the above described
decorative plaques.
For this purpose, the mould having been previously soaped or otherwise treated
for insuring the ready separation of the castings, there is run into the recessed
design a plaster of paris mixed with water previously tinted with a pigment of the
colour which it is desired to impart to the design. In the same way plaster of
paris tinted with the required different colour is also run into the recessed fillet c.
Before these plaster fillings have entirely hardened, their surfaces are roughened
to form a key, after which there is run over the entire mould a layer of plaster
which may be left white, and which thus forms a slab on which the coloured design
and fillet are fixed in relief. To impart to this slab any required degree of hardness,
there may be previously mixed with the plaster of paris, a suitable proportion of
lime, alum, gum arabic, gelatine, size, sulphate of zinc &c.
Over this layer is then placed a piece of canvas saturated with plaster, which
unites with the layer in hardening.
The plaster having set, the slab thus formed is removed from the mould, when it

page_text: will appear as at Fig. 4, that is to say, a slab with a white ground b. on which are
in relief the coloured design a and fillet c.
The ground is now filled in up to the level of the design and fillet with liquid
plaster coloured yellow, and when this begins to set, a straight edge is passed over
it so as to remove any excess of the filling, and thus produce a flush surface having
a yellow ground b a blue design a and a black fillet c, being an exact copy of the
design Fig. 1. The slab thus produced is then allowed to dry perfectly, and if
desired it is then varnished for improving its appearance and durability and to
allow of washing.
The operation would be precisely the same for any design, no matter how com-
plicated, or how many colours were employed.
For this purpose
For the production of mosaics, a similar method is carried out.
a smooth plaster slab has traced upon it as many vertical and horizontal lines at
equal or unequal distances apart as the design may require, giving a corresponding
number of small squares, or rectangles of equal or unequal size. These lines are
then engraved to the depth of from 1 to 2 m.m. The plate having been soaped,
liquid plaster is run over it, giving a mould having the lines in relief upon it,
forming thus a number of recessed squares or rectangles. These are then each
filled in separately with coloured plaster corresponding to the pattern design. To
prevent mistakes, and to save time, each of the squares may be previously marked
with a
special mark indicating the colour to be filled into it, or there may be
provided a series of templates, one for each colour employed, and each having a
number of square holes corresponding to the number of squares in the design to be
filled with the particular colour, so that on placing such templates successively on
the slab the squares can be readily filled with the proper colour. The squares
having been filled, the surfaces of the filling are hatched to form a key, after
which a layer of plaster is run over them, and upon this is applied a piece of canvas
as before described. The filling having been dried, the slab is removed from the
mould, and thus presents on its face a number of differently coloured squares,
separated by recessed lines, which are finally filled in with plaster of any desired
colour. After drying, the whole is varnished. According to another method of
producing slabs in imitation of ceramic ware with recessed or relief partitions, the
ornamented surface being either slightly convex or concave the operation is
similar to that last described with the difference that the mould is composed of two
parts, of which at least one is of metal. The one part of the mould is of plaster
cast from the pattern of the design, in the same way as above described, the design
being either recessed or in relief, and the outline of the design in either case being
also either recessed or in relief to the extent of about 1 mn.m. A rim projecting
about 1 m.in. is formed round the design.
The second part of the mould is a metal grating, the bars of which fit exactly
into or upon the above described recessed or relief partitions. This grating only
serves for separating the several colours to be cast in the mould so as to prevent
them from mixing. For facilitating the introduction of the coloured plaster into
the mould the grating should not exceed from one to two millimetres on the edges,
and from three to four in thickness.
For producing the design the operation is the same as described in the previous
cases, with the exception that in this case, the grating is removed after filling the
recesses, and the spaces left by it are then filled in with plaster of a black or other
colour.
The slab is then finished in the same way as in the previous cases.
For the production of slabs in imitation of tapestry or of shaded artistic painting,
the mould is by preference made of metal. As in the previous cases, the pattern of
the design is formed by means of engraved lines forming very small squares or
rectangles between them, and a cast is then taken from this pattern, forming the
mould and having the said lines in relief. The recessed squares are then filled in
with the different colours the same means being employed for this as before
described; a backing of plaster and canvas having been applied, the slab thus

page_text: produced is removed from the mould, leaving recessed lines between the coloured
squares which in this case are not filled in, so that at a distance of about two yards,
owing to the said recessed lines being no longer perceptible except by casting
slight shadows that have the effect of vivifying the colours, the design will have the
appearance of tapestry or embroidery.
For preparing these designs in imitation of decorative painting, or even painted
portraits the contours and shadings of the design are obtained by engraved lines of
the desired irregular curvature formed on the pattern in addition to the before
described squares, producing corresponding relief lines on the mould, and recessed
lines on the cast taken therefrom, which would then be filled in with the requisite
dark plaster for indicating the contours and the shadows which may be shaded off
by using plaster of tints varying from light to dark.
For imitating marbles a well dressed slab of plaster, about 3 metres long and
2.50 metres wide is taken, and upon its surface are marked lines indicating veinings
in imitation of any description of marble, such lines being then engraved to a depth
of about 2 m.m.
On the pattern surface thus produced is then run a layer of cement, sulphur
metal or other material for forming a mould, on which the said lines will
consequently be in relief.
The operator then prepares in a number of receptacles liquid cements of different
colours, such as one of white, one slightly tinted grey, another darker grey, another
a mixture of yellow and light red, another a mixture of yellow and black and
another a mixture of yellow, red, and black, he then applies these differently
coloured cements, mixed in any desired combinations to the mould for producing
marble of the required colour and tone, the different colours or mixtures of colours
being applied in irregularly mingled streaks so as to imitate the irregular
streakiness of coloured marbles, while the before described projecting veins of the
mould are covered by means of a spoon shaped spatula with streaks of a blackish
red colour, of a light tint in some parts, and darker at others.
The slab thus produced which should not be more than about 3. m.m. thick is
then allowed to dry, while dusting uncoloured cement powder over it. After some
minutes this cement is removed by means of a trowel, which is at the same time
made to press down the layer forming the slab, so as to increase its compactness
and hardness.
A backing of coloured cement is then applied to give the slab any required
thickness. After this is hardened the slab is removed from the mould, and will be
found to have all the appearance of streaked marble with the exception of the
before mentioned fine veinings, which are of course recessed on the slab.
The operator then prepares in two vessels light black or grey cement, and cement
of a somewhat darker tone, and the recessed veins are then filled in with these by
means of a spatula in any gradations that may be required. When dry, the slab
thus produced is polished.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. A new manufacture of decorative slabs, tiles or plates in imitation of decorative
painting, ceramic ware, mosaics, and the like, consisting in first preparing a mould
with recesses which are filled in separately with coloured plaster or cement to
represent the design, such separate coloured parts being then united together by a
backing of plaster or cement with which is incorporated fibrous material,
substantially as described.
2. The new industrial product resulting from the manufacture referred to in the
preceding claim, composed of plaster and woven fabric or fibrous material, in
combination with various colouring matters, substantially as described.
3. The various herein described processes of manufacture wherein a mould is
produced from a pattern having lines or markings recessed thereon, so that such

page_text: lines or markings appear in relief upon such mould, from which a cast is then
obtained in which the said lines or markings are recessed, to be subsequently filled
in with coloured plaster or other material.
Deted this 3rd day of Iul 1802
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.