Doylestown, PA is home to an unexpected monument…a castle!
With its fanciful silhouette, chimneys, and towers, Fonthill looks like it could be a school for wizards in training…but it’s actually the brainchild of Henry Chapman Mercer.
Mercer was the son of a prominent local family. He was deeply interested in early trades and crafts, and apprenticed himself to a Pennsylvania German potter. He designed and collected ceramic tiles, founding the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in 1898 (located just next door).
in 1908, Mercer started building Fonthill, which was intended to be both his home and a showcase for his vast collection of tiles. He was not trained as an architect, but drew inspiration from his extensive travels to sites around the world.
The interior recalls styles of the past, with pillars and vaulted ceilings. The layout seems to follow its own logic, a maze of rooms connected by corridors, winding stairs, and secret nooks around every corner.
And…tiles. Many of the tiles are Mercer’s own design, brightly colored scenes, often with narratives. The narratives are sometimes scenes of everyday life, others drawn from history. The tiles are EVERYWHERE… set into walls, fireplaces, and ceilings. Even the bathrooms are decorated with tiles!
The room above is dedicated to the theme of Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the New World. The vaulted ceiling is covered with tiles and ceramic figures portraying the ships, the sailors, and the Native Americans that they encountered.
Mercer’s home also displays his collection of historic tiles, including Dutch, Spanish, Chinese and Persian tiles.
Mercer owned almost 6,000 books, many of which you can see displayed around the home.
You can also see the many paintings, prints, and other artifacts that Mercer collected during his lifetime.
Walking around the house, you really get a sense of Mercer’s offbeat personality. This staircase immortalizes his dog, Rollo, whose pawprints are preserved in the concrete.
While the “castle” draws on the traditions of the past, it’s also quite modern for its time. It’s constructed from poured concrete. It was also equipped with the latest conveniences, featuring numerous bathrooms, an elevator, an intercom and telephones!
Mercer died in 1930, leaving his home to be a museum of tiles and prints. A visit to Fonthill gives us a glimpse into his unique personality and creative process. The museum gives regularly scheduled tours of the building…if you have the chance, visit! It’s a fun and eye-opening experience!
JoAnn's Imagined Past 