An unique variety of ceramics in the tradition of the "Ecole de Nancy".
History and description
Between 1870 and 1918, after the annexation of Metz and Strasbourg by Germany, Nancy remained the only big city in the Eastern part of France. As an economic, political and academic capital, is where was born the artistic movement called the "Ecole de Nancy" or "Art Nouveau", facilitated by the presence of rich industrialists and patrons.
In 1885, the Société Anonyme des Produits Céramiques de Jeanménil et Rambervillers (a local company making ceramics) started to produce ceramis pipes, exploiting the political will to organize and improve the municipal water supply systems.
Since 1900, Cytère developped the glaze. He discovered a process that gives enamel colourful, blue-green metallic reflections.
In 1903, he exposes 16 pieces in Nancy and before the success of its production, he takes contact with the prestigious artists of the Ecole de Nancy: Gallé, Majorelle, Grüber, Schneider, Vallin, Vautrin, Virion... A new era of prosperity begins. In the 1930s, the difficulties appear. In 1941 Cytère died, taking with him his glaze manufacturing secrets.
By installing an electric furnace in 1946, George Vasseur tries to relaunch the company. He includes research on the glaze, creates new reflections, but without sustainable success.
An Art Nouveau antiquarian passionate, Marcel Ferry, will succeed in 1974 to reproduce the famous metal reflections. He founded workshop with the help of his little daughter Julie, graduated from the prestigious ceramic school of Guebwiller (I.E.A.C., Institut Européen des Arts Céramique).
Highlights 1:
Marcel Ferry workshop 1 rue de la ceramique
Highlights 2:
Store sales: Felix Faure avenue.
Highlights 3:
A few very beautiful old pieces of Cytère are exposed at the Musée de la terre, 1 rue de la faïencerie. Open every afternoon except Tuesday in July and August.
Otherwise, on request for groups. Telephone: 03.29.65.12.07
How getting there
Store sales in front of the old railway station
A tip to eat
Rambervillers specialty is "Tête de veau sauce gribiche ": you must eat that speciality at the Restaurant Mirabelle, 6 Rue de L’Eglise 88700 Rambervillers : 03 29 65 37 37
Pastry Schwartz: very good cakes. Try the mirabelle ice cream! 1 Rue du Cheval blanc 88700 Rambervillers : 03 29 65 00 32
Several good delis in the town as well...
Contact
FERRY Marcel 1 Rue de la Céramique 88700 RAMBERVILLERS Tel: 032965267 http://www.ceramique-rambervillers....
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Map of Rambervillers, flammed pottery and around !
Military necropolis of Rambervillers, Vosges
Rambervillers is a peacefull little town on the Mortagne river in Lorraine.
Rambervillers, flammed pottery
An unique variety of ceramics in the tradition of the "Ecole de Nancy".