The oldest ceramic centre in France
The art of tin-glazed earthenware arrived in Rouen in the 16th century with one of the first French great masters of ceramics: Massot Abaquesne, a contemporary of Bernard Palissy. At first, ceramic and pottery works consisted of objects created for pharmacies and decorative items (jars to keep pharmaceutical preparations, floor and wall tiles).
Tin-glazed earthenware really thrived in 1644 in Rouen.
Anne of Austria, regent of France, gave Sir Nicolas Poirel the monopoly of tin-glazed earthenware production. He hired Edme Poterat who is credited with the invention of the famous blue lambrequin décor, which is of Italian and Chinese inspiration, and still alive today.
Increasingly sought-after for its unique and sober style, Rouen's tin-glazed earthenware reached more than twenty manufactures at its peak. Today, the last "Rouen style" tin-glazed earthenware manufactures are located Rue Saint-Romain near the Cathedral Notre-Dame. Craftsmen create and decorate their most beautiful pieces in front of you.