Favourite finds from the French workplace
Many pieces in the Chez Pluie collection were made for the French workplace; Les Meubles de Métiers. A charming glimpse into everyday village life throughout the centuries.
1. The butcher's shop
The boucherie is a treasure trove of both practical and stylish pieces. This enormous cutting board dates to the 1950's. Made with plane tree timber it was used to prepare pork.
Extra-large cutting board
Butchers tables were elegantly crafted in both timber and marble.
Our 19th century butcher's table
Once the meat was prepared, the best cuts were displayed in the window on a marble top table to entice customers passing by.
Our 19th century French marble top butchers table
2. Haberdashery boutique
There is nothing like the sound of sharp scissors slicing off your length of exquisite fabric. Our extra-large sewing scissors date to the early 20th century and were made by Lacouture Lyon.
Antique French sewing scissors
French draper's tables make the perfect kitchen island. Rolls of fabrics were stored on the lower shelf, then cut and measured on the counter top.
3. Boutique mirrors
A mirror is essential when going to the milliner! This adjustable mirror was used in a hat shop, with candle light to get a good look at your new chapeau.
Our French oak milliner's mirror has bronze candlesticks
A charming round mirror from an horlogerie - a watch maker and repair shop. It's fun shape reflects that of a pocket watch.
Round watchmaker's mirror 1920's
4. Off to the bank, then to church
Our 19th century refectory table was used in the Bank of France in Clermont-Ferrand.
Large refectory table in oak and chestnut
Meanwhile in the church - this oak and pine filing cabinet stored all the church archives for one diocese in Roanne in the Loire region of central France.
Our late 18th century directoire church filing cabinet
19th century French altar candlesticks
Even this rooster had a job to do - he belonged on the weathervane to tell the village which direction the wind was blowing.
Our 19th century rooster
5. At the bar tabac
When you order your pastis, it will be served to you in a branded glass - a tradition that still lives on today!
Our set of six pastis glasses
Our vintage French champagne ice bucket
Our collection of gueridons date to the early 1900's
A beautiful mirror used inside a bar or bistro - it has been stripped back to reveal the lovely golden fir timber frame and retains the original glass from the late 19th century.
Our 19th century bistro mirror
6. In the vineyards
The vendanges is a magical time in the south of France. It's all hands on deck to pick the plump grapes at their optimum. Oak harvest tubs were used to collect the hand cut fruit among the vines. Perfect for storing firewood or using as a planter in the garden.
Our French oak harvest tubs date to the early 1900's
Bottling up delicious Côtes du Rhône wine was done using a porte boteille to dry clean bottles.
Our large French bottle tree
Wine was stored in large quantities in French glass Dame Jeanne wine bottles. Our selection of demijohns is extensive, all are French vintage, some antique.
Our wine stained demijohn bottles
Vignerons offer passers by degustations (wine tastings) at their cellar door. A table du vigneron is used to display the different wines on offer and pour tastings.
Our French oak table du vigneron
7. On the farm
Lavender and Provence go hand in hand. And extracting the precious oil is a technical and ancient process.
Our rustic lavender oil canister
Our collection of rustic canisters can be used as umbrella stands or to make impressive floral arrangements.
Our rustic 19th century French oil canister
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