Of course, you know Paris. But have you heard of the Avenue de Charolles located in Chennevières-sur-Marne? It is a place with its own history. It’s an avenue like many others. But did you know that there is another Charolles with a long history?
Let me tell you about the Charolles Manufacture. Its story began in 1844. Hippolyte Prost took over his father’s pottery workshop. He laid the first stone of a business. It would mark time and history.
The Charolles Manufacture is located in Burgundy. It promotes ceramic know-how. The company received the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label in 2016. This label distinguishes French manufacturing excellence. It highlights rare know-how. It also showcases the high added value of made in France manufacturing.
Charolles’ creations are more than furniture. They are more than decorative objects. They tell stories of men and women. They tell of art and a region. They tell of a country. It is the history of French craftsmanship through the centuries. Today, it enhances interior decoration.
The factory has never stopped its activity. It preserves the cultural heritage of artisanal ceramic manufacturing. In 2023, the manufacture joined the Flohymont Group. This group specializes in decoration. It focuses on exclusive interiors.
Charolles is a French heritage institution. It stands out for its top-of-the-range earthenware creations. Authenticity is based on craftsmanship. It also uses unique glazing techniques. These offer colorful and elegant creations. The brand offers over 150 exclusive shades. It has become a benchmark in high-quality French craftsmanship.
Aurélie Richard is the artistic director since 2019. Cyrille Frappé is the owner of the company. Together, they revitalize the collections. They collaborate with contemporary designers. They bring their heritage to life. Objects like the Cy lamp or the Glouglou carafe show timeless style. They show the modernity that Charolles infuses into its products.
Les faïences de Charolles uses an artisanal production process. It combines traditional methods and innovation. Each step is carried out by hand. It takes place in their Burgundy workshop. They use local natural materials. These include top-quality clays. Craftsmen master modeling, molding, and enameling techniques. This guarantees unique finishes for each piece. Production focuses on limited series. Particular attention is paid to enameling. Each color is specifically developed. It is often done through in-house blending. It is precisely applied before the final firing.
Charolles commits to a sustainable approach. It promotes environmentally-friendly craftsmanship. It is based on local manual production techniques. The workshop’s craftsmen mainly use natural materials. These are local clays without heavy industrial processes. The production cycle minimizes waste. It limits environmental impact. Aesthetic and technical choices include sustainably developed colors. They include finishes in collaboration with a colorist. This obtains specific shades while respecting traditional processing methods. Charolles also works with eco-designed materials.
Each year, a collection is created around a theme. Nature and its vibrant colors inspire it. The brand’s aesthetic identity strengthens season after season. The Héritage Collection uses the Manufacture’s historic and iconic models. The Boréale Aurélie collection plays on rounded shapes. It uses imposing volumes. This range focuses on an elegant timeless aesthetic. Original contours and a textured surface add a unique dimension to each piece.
These themes reflect Charolles’ commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. They show adaptation to current trends. They honor the heritage of traditional French know-how. So, as you stroll along the Avenue de Charolles, remember the artistry. Remember the history of its namesake.