For more than 30 years, Wells Antique Tile & Pottery has been built around one man's fascination with beautiful old things—and an almost endless curiosity about the stories behind them.

Scott Wells, the owner of Wells Antique Tile & Pottery, first became interested in art pottery when he discovered a California tile table. Not long afterward, he came across a large collection of antique tiles. At the time, there was remarkably little information available about them. So Scott began looking for the people who did know, seeking out the few tile experts in the country and learning everything he could.

What began as curiosity soon became a lifelong pursuit.

Over the years, Scott's collection grew, as did his knowledge of the history, craftsmanship, glazes, colors, and designs that make antique tile so distinctive. He also discovered that there were very few dealers specializing in this fascinating corner of the antique world. Wells Antiques grew naturally from that realization—and eventually became a destination for collectors, homeowners, designers, and anyone with an appreciation for exceptional tile.

Today, Wells Antique Tile & Pottery houses what is believed to be the largest collection of antique tiles in the country. The collection has the character of a museum, but everything is there to be discovered, appreciated, and, ultimately, brought home.

A Passion for California Tile

Early California tile is particularly well represented. During the 1920s, Southern California experienced a remarkable tile renaissance. The region's architecture, climate, and growing fascination with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern design inspired tile makers to experiment with rich colors, distinctive glazes, and beautifully detailed motifs.

For Scott, these aren't simply architectural materials or decorative objects. Each tile is a piece of American design history—and each has its own character.

That perspective has made Scott a respected authority in the field. He has spent decades educating collectors and the public about the beauty, craftsmanship, and historical importance of antique tile. He has advised and contributed to institutions including the California Heritage Museum and the Tile Heritage Foundation, and has shared his knowledge with authors and other experts in the field.

But perhaps the best way to understand Scott's expertise is simply to spend some time with him in the collection. Ask him about a tile, and there's a good chance he'll have a story about where it came from, when it was made, what makes it unusual, or why its glaze looks the way it does.

Come Explore the Collection

The Wells showroom in Los Angeles is part antique shop, part museum, and part treasure hunt. The collection is constantly changing as new pieces and collections arrive, so there is always something new to discover.

Collectors come looking for rare and unusual pieces. Homeowners come looking for the perfect tile for a fireplace, fountain, backsplash, bathroom, or other architectural project. Designers and architects come looking for something that simply can't be found in a modern tile showroom.

And sometimes people come in without knowing exactly what they're looking for. That's part of the fun.

You can explore and purchase antique tile through our website, or visit us in person at our Los Angeles showroom. Scott is always happy to share his knowledge, help you find the right pieces, or simply talk tile.

Wells Antique Tile & Pottery
1540 W. 6th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 413-0558
wells@wellstile.com

Showroom Hours
Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Whether you're a longtime collector or simply looking for something extraordinary for your home, we'd love to have you explore the collection.