Émaux from Longwy

1798 saw the foundation of the Faience factory at Longwy in an old convent. A famous production since the First Empire : the Emperor Napoleon Premier, after his visit to the "workshop of the manufacture", will command the table services for the Imperial Houses of the Legion of Honor.

In 1835, the earthenware entered - for 140 years - in the family of Huart which will make it thrive from then on. In order to "retaliate French" to the growing imports from China and Japan, d'Huart brought the Italian Amédée de Carenza to Longwy - around 1872 - who brought with him the exclusive techniques that would make it possible to produce enamels surrounded by faience. The famous "Émaux de Longwy" were born and their reputation will grow.

Art Deco then penetrated this bastion of Orientalism. The famous colonial ball (see photo) invented by Maurice Paul Chevalier for the 1931 colonial exhibition is one of the most famous and most sought-after creations by collectors. The association with "Primavera" marks a fertile period, culminating in the exhibition of the Decorative Arts of 1925. This complete renewal of forms and decorations made Longwy's reputation in the United States and Europe during the period of prewar.

The abandonment of the large production of table services in the 1950s, together with a lack of artistic creativity, then marked the decline of pottery for half a century.

With the arrival of Michelle Kostka in 1991, Faïencerie emerged from a long period of lethargy and, thanks to a renewal of forms, decors and colors, the Faïences and Émaux de Longwy - of contemporary design - Luxury boutiques in France and abroad.

Today, many designers - such as Hilton McConico, Garouste and Bonetti, Anne Marie Beretta, Régis Dho, Robert le Héros, Casenove and Jean Boggio - have brought their creativity to the Faïencerie.