Minton uttered the well-known words, “Say no more on the subject, Mr. Boyle. I will make these tiles if they cost me a guinea each!” We do not hear that any other remonstrance followed this rebuke. The late Harriette, Duchess of Sutherland, was one of the early patrons of the tile manufacture; and, indeed, the Staffordshire potteries generally are much indebted to her Grace for the great encouragement she ever gave, and the interest she ever took in every improvement calculated to elevate the character of our manufactures, and advance the prosperity of the district. Her example and influence amongst the nobility afforded much encouragement to the British potter, and tended greatly to the attainment of that success in the art which has been so marked of late years. The tiles were extensively introduced at Trentham Hall, and some of the finest of the early specimens are to be found there. The first work of great importance that was undertaken was the floor of the Temple Church, London. Lewis N. Cottingham, Esq., F.S.A., made an examination of the Chapter House, Westminster, in January, 1841, in order to procure suitable examples for the tiles proposed to be used in the restoration of the Temple Church. On the removal of portions of the boarded floor the pavement was found to be in a very perfect state, few tiles being broken, and the colours in many parts as brilliant as when laid down. Mr. Minton undertook to reproduce the various designs composing this ancient pavement. It was a work of great labour and difficulty; but was accomplished to the satisfaction of the architect, and all others interested in the work. The charge made was merely nominal, taking into account the great expenditure necessarily involved at a time when so many difficulties still attended the manufacture. Mr. Minton was a diligent collector of old tiles, and friends amongst the nobility, gentry, and clergy, in all parts of the country, ministered to his taste, and sent him either examples or sketches of such as they met with in their travels; nothing pleased him better than to receive choice specimens and to superintend their reproduction. The late Mr. Welby Pugin furnished Mr. Minton with many tile drawings, some of which he had designed during his many night journeys to Staffordshire, whilst engaged in the extensive works for Lord Shrewsbury, at Alton Towers and Cheadle Church.” [Illustration: Figs. 234 to 239.--Minton’s productions.] [Illustration: Figs. 240 to 243.]