Longchamp is a small village nestled on the borders of Burgundy in Northeastern France, in the canton of Genlis about halfway between Dijon and Dôle. Ideally located for pottery manufacture thanks to the surrounding forests which provide firewood and the old clay marshes transformed into quarries.
Manufacturing of tiles here dates back to 1386, over the centuries it was alternately tile and then pottery, with ceramics for fine tableware appearing at Longchamp under the leadership of Claude Phal-Matiron around 1832.
Lauded for its earthenware, this company was a pinnacle of French ceramic industry. Alas, its greatness was destined to end, and it too ceased to be in 2016. However, 8 years later, Philippe Orliac breathed new life in it and steered it towards producing elite porcelain. Visit Longchamp's website today.
The above stamp dates from the late 19th century when the company was under control by Robert Charbonnier. The pattern is called Lutèce.
Lutèce is the French form of Lutetia, the Roman city where Paris now stands.
Hi Cheri,
The Longchamp Olerys pattern is a vintage hand painted pattern from the 1960s. Produced in France they are inspired by 18th century French country faience, particularly by the ‘grotesque’ style of Joseph Olery of Moustiers.
Decades ago I purchased secondhand a collection of ceramic Longchamps Olerys, made in France, dinnerware with a wondrous selection of patterns used on the various pieces.
I would love to know the story behind them.
I have been interpreting them to be a series celebrating the Americas, depicting… Tobacco Leaves, Dragonflies, Floral Vines, a Native American, two Colonial Planters, a Bear with a Parasol, and another Bear blowing a Horn.
I hope that you are able to enlighten me as to the story they are telling, as well as artist and time frame.
Thank you
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