1929) Faïencerie de Gien, France: Bicentenary Celebrations (1821-2021): La Poste France (French Post) has issued a postage stamp of 2.56 Euro celebrating the milestone: Date of Stamp issue: 06.07.2021:
About Earthenware De Gien:
This postage stamp celebrates the bicentenary (1821-2021) of the Gien Earthenware factory.
The factory is located in Gien, in the Loire Valley. it is reputed for its carefully selected materials - clays, sands and kaolins mostly from France. It manufactures its own paste, its plaster molds and even its enamels thanks to the precious know-how of its craftsmen.
Le Gien is part of French lives, offering authentic, attractive and creative earthenware. Gien can be recognized by its colors, patterns and shapes that are endlessly available.
Among Gien's many creations, is the "Peonies model" in its products since 1875, which is always hand painted. It is created in two variants - multicolored and blue.
In recognition of the Company's unique know-how, in 2005 Gien received the prestigious "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" label.
A brief History:
1821 : THE LEGACY:
The Faïencerie de Gien was created in 1821 in Gien (Val de Loire), in the heart of France.
The 19th century gave birth to many production sites, heirs to the potters of past centuries. Its bicentennial history is linked to the name of its creator, the Englishman Thomas Hall. Hall moved to Gien and bought the enclosure and buildings of the “Convent des Minimes” located on the banks of the Loire.
At that time, the city of Gien had several assets. An important commercial crossroads, the city is full of raw materials (clays, sands, siliceous pebbles from the Loire) and especially the Loire allows the transport of wood from the forests of Orleans for the baking ovens.
1821-1850 : THE FIRST STEPS:
These years were marked by the manufacture of white earthenware in an octagonal shape and the sophisticated modeling imitated from goldsmith's pieces, then by the appearance of the first themed plates.
It suited the tastes and culture of the epoch.
1850-1914 : THE GOLDEN AGE:
From the second half of the 19th century, la Faïencerie became more creative. The designs created by the manufacturers becomes more precise.
The Manufacture offered decorative pieces and table services inspired by Rouen, Saxony, Marseille, the Renaissance, the Ottoman Empire, the Antiquity.
Production continued to grow and this period was perhaps the richest and most inventive of the Manufacture. In addition to the different inspirations, the richness of the collections was provided by the collaboration with painters, engravers, who were invited to present new decorations and forms.
The Faïencerie de Gien diversified from a technical and artistic point of view. All this work and these efforts were recognized in France and abroad and rewarded with several first prizes/awards, as well as, gold and silver medals at the universal exhibitions.
The Faïencerie de Gien continued to climb and move upmarket by offering personalized services bearing the arms of the great families of Europe.
1984-2014 : THE SECOND BREATH:
In 1984, the Faïencerie de Gien experienced a new lease of life.
It offered a new range of products (hand painted pieces, numbered limited edition), and a museum was created.
Famous names were associated with Gien such as Paco Rabanne, Andrée Putman, Patrick Jouin, Isabelle de Borchgrave, Garouste and Bonetti, who designed new products and enhance Earthenware.
DEPUIS 2014 : THE REBOUND:
Since 2014, Yves de Talhouët has taken over the Manufacture de Gien.
Two passionate men, convinced by the exceptional heritage, the excellence of the know-how and the notoriety of the Faïencerie de Gien, decided to perpetuate the tradition and explore new ways by promoting contemporary creations and setting up a new export distribution policy.
Today, more than ever, the Faïencerie de Gien is part of a program of excellence. A member of the prestigious Colbert Committee, which brings together the major French luxury brands, it has been awarded the “Living Heritage Company” label.
The women and men of the Company are resolutely looking towards the future to reinvent the fine earthenware of tomorrow while relying on its bicentennial roots.
The Commemorative Stamp:
The postage stamp of 2.56 Euro commemorating the Bicentenary
Technical details:
Issue Date: 06.07.2021
Designer: Agence Huitieme Jour
Illustrator: Agence Huitieme Jour
Process: Taille Douce
Santosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"Gr8 information about 200 years CELEBRATIONS."
Thank you so much, Khanna sahab.
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