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| FRENCH ENAMELLED WARE
By Lee Bower, gigi a la maison.
(This article appeared in "French Provincial" magazine)
A beautiful piece of Vintage or Antique French Enamelled Ware would have to be the quintessential item in a true French Provincial kitchen.
The French Enamelled Ware collected today was produced from the mid 1800s through to the 1940s, when it was an essential part of any French kitchen. Today, finding original pieces of French Enamelled Ware is becoming more difficult. The Europeans have been collecting for many years, and today the demand from American, Japanese and Australian collectors is intense. There is, of course, limited stock to be had, and few of these beautiful pieces appear on the French Flea Market as they did some twenty years ago. If they are available, their value is reflected in the price asked. The hunt, however, is always a large part of the fun of collecting!
Although we speak of “French Enamelled Ware”, not all pieces were actually produced in France. Belgium, Germany, Austria and many other European counties produced quality and aesthetically pleasing pieces for the French market. There are many sought after brands including Japy (Japy-Freres), B & B and Saint Servas, but just as many stunning pieces are unmarked.
Enamelled Ware was created by applying a glass like finish of enamel to cast iron, and later steel. The metal was cut and cleaned, then spouts and handles riveted on prior to enamelling. Later the spouts and handles were welded, which is one indicator of the items age. The kitchen item was then coated with multiple layers of enamel before being fired in a kiln, then cooled. Many were then hand painted, though later designs could be applied by stencils, lithography or decals. French Enamelled Ware has a specific decorative style that is recognizable at first glance. These pieces were decorated by true artists, using glorious designs that could be abstract, as in the Art Deco period, or with wonderful, delicate portrayals of flora and fauna in earlier eras.
There is an amazing range of French Enamelled Ware - Coffee Pots, Biggins (3 or 4 part coffee pot), Sel box (salt), Allumettes Box (matches), Utensil racks and Utensils, canister sets, pitchers and basins, lavabos (water tank over a hand basin), buckets, tea towel holders - the list goes on ! Some collectors specialize in one item, such as pitchers or coffee pots, while others seek out particular designs or colours.
These wonderful pieces of Enamelled Ware were used in French kitchens, often for many years, and as such some wear is not only acceptable, but to be expected. There may be cracks in the enamel, as well as missing pieces of enamel, particularly on knobs, handles and edges of lids. There may even be rust holes, especially in Biggin filters, for example. So long as the design is not damaged, these signs of age do not effect the value of the item. Many items can still be used, even with some damage. For example, a pitcher will still make a stunning statement filled with flowers - simply put water in a jar in the pitcher! If the insides of canisters are not perfect, line with paper before filling.
Toleware (or Tole) also appeals to many Enamelled Ware collectors. These items were made from painted tin and are much lighter, without the thick enamel coating. They do not wear as well as traditional Enamelled Ware but are still very evocative of the Provincial home, and very collectable.
There are some very good reproductions produced now, some even made in France. If you simply want a “look” which may be replaced in a few years, this is certainly a cheaper option. For myself, I prefer to own an original piece of beautiful French Enamelled Ware, which reflects a way of life and celebrates the art and skills of the dedicated artisans of nineteenth and twentieth century Europe.
Lee Bower. Gigi a la maison, 307 Coventry Street, South Melbourne. 3205
THE FRENCH ENAMELLED WARE IN GIGI A LA MAISON IS SOURCED FROM FRANCE - WE DO NOT DEAL IN REPRODUCTIONS. |
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