The New York City Subway has always maintained a close relationship with artists since its early days. From 1901, the architectural firm Heins & LaFarge was the first company appointed for the appearance of the IRT stations. The directional information tablets were combined with stunning mosaics, polychrome terracotta panels and bas-reliefs along the IRT Lexington Avenue Line. Inspired by the technique of the Italian Renaissance artist Andrea Della Robbia, the bas-reliefs have been produced by Grueby Faience Company and Rookwood Pottery. Through the years, subway stations have been extensively updated and/or reconstructed in order to improve the public transportation. Nevertheless, some of the original art tiles can still be seen along various platforms, appearing sometime like remnants of gems.