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With the introduction of Wedgwood's English Queen's Ware in the
1780's, faience fell out of fashion. The French Revolution, Napoleon's
wars, and the general state of the economy completed the cycle,
and many factories closed their doors. Those that remained turned
to producing utilitarian items rather than luxury goods. Only toward
the middle of the 19th century did faience begin a resurgence in
popularity.
Today little of the early French faience is seen outside of museums.
Fortunately for us, fashions change, and from the 19th century to
today the colorful wares of Sarraguemines, Devres, Luneville and
others, attract collectors worldwide.
Perhaps the most universally known faiencerie is Quimper (pronounced
kam-pair), whose depictions of Breton figures on their wares have
remained popular. It was founded in 1695 by Jean Baptiste Bousquet
in the town of Quimper, where wood for firing and good clay were
abundant.
Over its life the Quimper faiencerie has had many owners, and one
of the most significant changes occurred in 1882 when the factory
was sold. Up to that time most of the designs had emulated Rouen
patterns; now they began to enlarge on Breton themes.
Quimper remains the most recognized of all faience, and a number
of books are available that provide a more detailed description.
Sarraguemines near the German border, produces popular faience
with a slightly German flavor. Their clay is finer than other areas,
and the colors frequently more delicate. Founded in the late 1700's,
the factory produced both hand decorated and printed wares (often
black print with French mottoes).
Strasbourg, on the German border, came to prominence because of
its technical expertise. It was first to develop the petit feu method,
which allows for the use of crimson, gold, and pink decoration of
faience. The Hannong family died out at the end of the 18th century,
and the factory closed, so interest shifted to faienceries in Loraine.
Luneville is a name one still finds on many pieces of faience; they
specialized in pottery decorated with flowers and coqs (roosters).
The Creil factory produced faience fine, a British import very
similar to Wedgwood's Queen's Ware. Where traditional faience entailed
hand decoration, this new product lent itself well to printed reproductions.
Later merging with the Montereau factory, the name Creil-Montereau
appeared on products until 1955.
Collectors today may encounter items resembling early Quimper products
marked with an FF, which stands for Fourmaintraux Freres. The Formaintraux
family had one of the potteries at Devres, and area near Boulogne
long known for its excellent potters. The patriarch opened his establishment
in 184 but the marks most often seen are from products produced
by descendants in the later 19th century. Platters, candlesticks,
plates, and jardinieres were produced and decorated with designs
reminiscent of Rouen, Delft, and Moustiers.
Today it's still possible to build a great (and less expensive) French
faience collection- with or without a single piece of Quimper- if
you look carefully. Invest in a book that illustrates typical pieces
from various factories. Look in antique shops and inquire at shows.
Get to know- but don't depend entirely upon- makers marks. Above all,
enjoy the hunt! |
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