Continental Faience and Tile Company

Expected Publication: 2022
Publisher TBD

Ben Tyjeski, Kelly Dudley, and Kathy Roberts are collaborating on the definitive resource for the Continental Faience & Tile Co. of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the story of Belgian-immigrant, artist entrepreneur, and ceramist Carl Bergmans.  ​Dudley and Roberts have been the experts on Continental and Bergmans since the mid 1990s.  Combined with Tyjeski's skills in the ceramics arts and design, they have worked as a team to piece together an epic story of decorative tile manufacturing in the Midwest.  

What was installed on hundreds of buildings in Wisconsin and the greater Midwest, Continental produced some of the most stunning faience art tile in American history.  Between 1924 and 1943, they created artistic, handmade tile that was installed on the floors and walls of many homes, apartments, churches, shops, schools, and municipal buildings.  This book will feature the story of the company's president and general manager, Carl Bergmans, the growth of his company, and a portfolio of the many installations that featured their tile.

The book that they are creating would not be possible if it were not for the collective efforts of many individuals.  If you know of tile in a building or have information you would like to share, please email Ben Tyjeski at tyjeskib@gmail.com.  Thank you!

Architectural Terra Cotta of Milwaukee County

Published: June 2018
​Tyjeski Terra Cotta Works, LLC

Features 480 some buildings that display architectural terra cotta in Milwaukee County.  Includes 350 colored photographs, a list of buildings at the end, and lots of detailed information on the craft and ornament.