CHAPTER XIX.

Intimacy with Mr. Minton, of Stoke-upon-Trent-Labours with him to revive and re-introduce the use of Encaustic Tiles-Complains of failing health-Writes again, referring to his impaired health and shattered nervess—Addresses an angry Letter to Mr. Minton, and withdraws all confidence in him-Upon Mr. Minton's explanation, expresses deep sorrow at having written so harshly.

AMONG the various objects occupying Pugin's attention, not one received a greater share than the revival of the manufacture of encaustic tiles. In the gradual formation of his antiquarian museum, while he lived in Great Russell Street, he had collected many beautiful ancient specimens, and well knew what an effective means of ornamentation they formed in both ecclesiastical and secular buildings. The old builders neglected no part of their structures, the floor was rendered pleasing though trodden under foot, as well as the coloured and emblazoned roofs and stone groinings; and even the constructive parts concealed from public view were finished with the same care and attention as those details more prominently in view. In Mr. Minton, of Stoke-upon-Trent, Pugin found a man of most enlarged views, who ably seconded him in his endeavours to re-establish the ancient method of making these tiles; no pains nor expense were spared

to obtain the proper clay, and impress them with ornaments of different colours. Many fruitless efforts were however made before such an amount of pressure could be obtained, and a process of kiln-burning discovered so as to render the tiles hard and true on their surface; but at last success was achieved, and we owe entirely to Mr. Minton the beautiful means of enrichment supplied through the multiplied form and colour which his tiles afford. Other manufactories have, indeed, since sprung up where tiles of almost equal quality can be procured: but Minton was the great originator of the modern art of making encaustic tiles. A warm intimacy existed between him and Pugin; they had been associated many years in their endeavours to recover the lost art, and Pugin had excellent opportunities of using encaustic tiles in the many Roman Catholic churches he was building, besides the one great work of the new Houses of Parliament. No pains were spared by Pugin in his efforts to produce beautiful and effective tile floors. He was ever suggesting some new method by which brilliant colouring might be secured, and in his correspondence with Mr. Minton extending over several years, there are amusing passages in which he enforces his views in his own racy and emphatic manner, accompanied by numerous illustrative sketches. Pugin was evidently much delighted with the result of Minton's manufacture of tiles, for when writing to him in January 1852, he says: 'I declare your St. Stephen's tiles the finest done in the tile way; vastly

superior to any ancient work; in fact they are the best tiles in the world, and I think my patterns and your workmanship go ahead of anything.'

It was in the commencement of the year 1852, that the first indications were seen of his failing health, arising from over exertion of body and mind. He observes in one of his letters: 'I have been dreadfully ill, so ill that it was at one time doubtful if I could ever recover; but by the blessing of God I am certainly gaining strength very fast, and I have lost nothing of mental power, as I think you will find by the work I send to you. There is no probability of my being in London for the next month or two, and the medical men recommend perfect rest till the advanced time of spring, and then to travel in an easy and gentle way.' Unhappily the improvement of his health was but of short duration, for he was soon again afflicted more than ever.

It was now that his intimacy with Mr. Minton, which had existed in an unbroken degree for some years, was interrupted by a misconception on Pugin's part of some remarks made by Mr. Minton on his professional charges. Nothing could be further from that gentleman's intention than to say or do anything which could give offence to his friend, but he was then in such a state of nervous debility as to be scarcely responsible for his actions. In letters at this time he repeatedly alludes to his shattered health. Thus in January 1852, he says: 'I believe I have been too hurried so soon after such an illness. I cannot get my

bodily strength up at all, and I perspire intensely, to that degree as to be obliged to put on five or six shirts a day, &c.' In another letter to Mr. Minton of a later date, he writes: 'I am in such a deplorably nervous state that I am at times scarcely answerable for what I write; I am so dreadfully afflicted in the head. You seemed to think I had cheated and sent you a false account (though now I don't believe you did), and I cried like a child, and trembled all over in dreadful perspiration, and I thought my fever had returned. Pray, my dear Minton, don't agitate me, the doctors say I am not to be agitated. If you saw your poor old friend so reduced as I am-thin, trembling, hollow-eyed, changed, and yet working tremendously at times you would be very careful not to distress me.'

His condition was now truly distressing, and each succeeding letter showed fresh symptoms of suffering. His sight, which had hitherto been good, now failed him. He writes: You have no conception of the dreadful agony which I still suffer, the least thing agitates me; I feel trembling and my eyesight is dimmed. I am obliged to bathe my eyes with sea water, and to drink the coldest water to bring my sight again.' Even still worse sufferings are described in other communications; it can therefore scarcely excite surprise that he should misinterpret some of the letters addressed to him, and in a moment of irritation, he wrote a letter reproaching Mr. Minton in severe language, withdrawing from him his confidence, and threatening to transfer all business commissions to

other manufacturers. tressed by this proceeding, well knowing that he had done nothing to merit such displeasure. To remonstrate however he knew would be vain, for Pugin refused either to see or receive any communication whatever from him. He therefore addressed a very feeling letter to Mrs. Pugin, protesting his ignorance of the cause which could have given such dire offence, at the same time offering to retract any expression he had used, and offer any apology rather than lose the friendship of one he so highly valued. This letter had its desired effect, and Minton was overjoyed at receiving one of the most touching communications ever penned. During the infliction of the severest visitation to which he was subjected by the inscrutable will of the Almighty there were occasional lucid intervals when gushes of warm-hearted feeling evidenced the tenderness of his nature. It seemed indeed as though affliction brought out the best dispositions of his heart. Notwithstanding the harsh manner in which he had expressed himself, when Mr. Minton's appeal was made to him through his wife he replies, February 14, 1852:

Mr. Minton was much dis

'MY DEAR, EVER DEAR MINTON,

'Your capital letter to my wife has just arrived, thus leaving nothing, my dear friend, but a perfect reconciliation between us. You must attribute a great deal to the dreadful irritation of nerves left by this terrible fever under which I suffered; but