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| As you can see from the images in the mirrors, sinks lined both walls of the "sink room. " Each tile was unique. |
They don't make bathrooms like this any more. In department stores or anywhere. I found these great art tiles in the bathroom of Macy's in downtown Minneapolis, when I was visiting last June. I know what you're saying: "You've been sitting on these photos for four months?!"
I've learned that the Minneapolis Macy's building was constructed in 1902, and early on was the flagship Dayton department store. My guess is that the aqua sinks were part of a 1950s remodeling. But surely the art tiles are part of the original construction.Some of the building's other architectural details are also intact. On the first floor I passed some great old ornate brass elevator doors. The elevators were not in operation, but at least Macy's had left the doors in place, for the pleasure of the customers. Well, for me, anyway.
The old Hudson Department store in Detroit likely had such beautiful detail also. In the 1970s I worked two or three blocks from Hudson's and shopped there frequently. Sadly, that building was imploded in 1998. I understand it is now an empty lot sitting atop an underground parking structure. Geesh.
Coming upon the tiles in the Macy's bathroom made me happy--such lovely art, such a surprise. I love old ornate architectural details (doesn't everybody?). The beauty of its architecture is one of the things that drew me to Washington. The bridges, the buildings, the train station, the lampposts. Fabulous.
If you're ever in downtown Minneapolis, be sure to go to the bathroom.
