Tiles & Terra Cotta Part 1: Focus on Beaux Arts

Architectural ceramics offer certain effects not duplicated by other materials. From 1908 to 1928 the facades of many prominent buildings were partially or entirely clad with terra cotta. Beaux Arts-influenced architecture employed this medium mainly to imitate carved stone. We will see a wide range of interesting glaze effects and architectural compositions. After surviving a long period of neglect and mistreatment, several of these buildings serve as case studies showing various causes of damage and methods of restoration. Parking meter enforcement begins at noon, so we must stay on schedule. Easy; a level walk on city sidewalks. —Riley Doty

Image Credit: Riley Doty

Meeting Location: Howden Building, 337 17th Street, corner of Webster.

Tour Guide: Riley Doty

NOTES:

• PLEASE MEET 15 MINUTES BEFORE listed time to allow for registration.

• We kindly request you register in advance. In-person registration will be first-come-first-served on a space available basis. We cannot guarantee a spot will be available.

• We offer fee waivers for limited income residents— just ask!

• Comfortable walking shoes, sun hats and sunscreen are recommended. Bring water.

• Vouchers, limited-income accommodation, and any other special circumstances should be handled in advance. Please email info@oaklandheritage.org for assistance

• Check your email the morning of the walking tour for any last-minute changes, clarifications, or cancellation.

• If you need assistance navigating Humanitix, please reach out to us at info@oaklandheritage.org or call our office at (510) 763-9218 and we’d be happy to help.

• Due to the ongoing presence of Covid, we will continue to make masks available. If you feel ill the day of a tour, please stay home. If after a tour, you become ill and test positive, please let us know as soon as possible. Thank you.

• Please check out the profiles of tour leaders. We are grateful for their skill and generosity.

• These tours support Oakland Heritage Alliance, a non-profit that tells Oakland’s story through walking tours, lectures, newsletters and advocacy. We welcome volunteers and new members!

Accessibility Note: Easy; a level walk on city sidewalks.

About Oakland Heritage Alliance

Oakland Heritage Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization which advocates the protection, preservation, and revitalization of Oakland's architectural, historic, cultural and natural resources through publications, education, and direct action.