Accession numberPRHM-3247MakerWunderlichMeasurementsH50 x W410 x D248HistoryWunderlich Roof tile
By the early 20th century some Australian suburban roofs were transforming from dull grey rooflines to red hues. Instead of timber shingles, corrugated iron, and slate roofs, terracotta titles were being used. The most popular tiles were moulded and interlocking Marseilles-style tiles. These tiles were maintenance-free, waterproof, and good absorbers of heat.
Manufactured in and around the French city of Marseilles, they were exported to Australia by companies like Wunderlich. When the First World War put a stop to the importation of terracotta tiles, Wunderlich began to manufacture terracotta tiles here in Australia.