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Gela St. Galy "Dawn of Civilization" Ceramic Tile Panel Carmel, CA. Circa 1978

Creator: Geza St. Galy
Offered by: Appleton

Description
Gela St. Galy landscape artwork titled "Dawn of Civilization" circa 1978 created at his studio in Carmel, California.
The panel was initially commissioned for a children's hospital by a private art foundation at a cost of $42,000.
PBS aired a half hour documentary on April 29, 1978 titled "The Saint-Galy Tiles" which was based on a major 1971 commission of 60 panels illustrating all aspects of Williamsburg, Virginia by William H. Brady of Milwaukee for his corporate headquarters.
A book titled "The Saint-Galy Tiles of Williamsburg" by Burke Davis published by the William H. Brady Corporation in 1974 from which I have quoted the following description of the process by which this artwork was created below.
The panel consists of 72 ceramic tiles. Each tile was individually hand painted with an oxide outline that followed a reverse tracing. The color areas were then quickly shaded in the appropriate oxide to create the color. Once the tiles have been decorated they were put through a first firing in a kiln for approximately 8 hours, carefully cooled over 24 hours, all the tiles are removed and the entire panel reassembled and additional background color where needed and the first coat of glaze applied. This is followed by three or more coats of glaze with drying periods between each coat. The tiles were fired again for approximately eight hours and carefully cooled and removed. Overglazing was done and the overglazed tiles refired for 4 to 6 hours depending on the type of overglaze. This was followed by another cooling period and the tiles are reassembled on the panel and checked to see that none of the lines in the design have "moved" during the molten stages of the glazing process, and that they are perfect in every respect. The panel was then mounted and framed.
The teak frame has minor wear. The panel of tiles shows no wear and is in beautiful condition.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	United States, California
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Glazed tiles framed in teak
Condition:	Good. minor wear to frame. Tiles in very good condition
Creation Date:	1978
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Mid Century
Book References:	The Saint- Galy Tiles of Williamsburg Text by Burke Davis 1974
Incollect Reference #:	351301