The lavish use of exquisite ceramic tile, produced by Malibu Potteries (1926-32), is a hallmark of the house. The use of decorative tile has always been characteristic of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Mrs. Rindge wisely decided to utilize the unique red and buff burning clays that existed in the Malibu area, as well as an abundant supply of water from a spring in Sweetwater Canyon, to establish the Malibu Potteries.  Beginning in 1926, a profusion of brilliant tiles flowed from this establishment to hundreds of residential and public buildings throughout Southern California.

Detail from Green Man Fountain

Pool Tile Detail

For an exhaustive study of these unique tiles, see “Ceramic Art of the Malibu Potteries, 1926-1932” published by the Malibu Lagoon Museum in 1988. This beautiful volume was authored by Ronald L. Rindge, Thomas W. Doyle, Toni Doyle, Charlotte H. Laubach , the late Frederick C. May, Judge John J. Merrick and John F. Rindge, all dedicated volunteers.

Ship tiles from Merritt Jr.’s bathroom