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In 1898, Mercer apprenticed under a German potter, channeling his passion into practical craftsmanship. He founded the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works on his family estate, determined to revive handmade ceramic art amidst an increasingly factory-driven industry. Mercer designed each tile himself—some based on historical patterns, others entirely original—each telling a story. He famously declared, “If I only make ordinary tiles, I might as well make soap,” emphasizing the narrative quality he insisted each piece possess.