Dating from the 1960s, this charming terracotta coffee services is decorated with blue flowers. There are 6 cups, 6 saucers, and a little milk jug. Note that one cup has been repaired on the handle and there is one chip on a saucer. Signed by the Le Murier (1955-1982) atelier, Vallauris.
Text by Christine Lavenu, translated from French.
Gustave Reynaud (1915 - 1972) and Jacqueline Reynaud Le Murier Atelier (1955-1982) Ceramist couple, founders of the Le Murier workshop in Vallauris. Under the advice of Jean Derval 's brother-in-law, Gustave Reynaud, who was looking for a professional path, decided to settle in Vallauris. In 1955, accompanied by his wife Jacqueline, he let himself be tempted by the ceramic adventure which had been in full swing since the arrival of the painter potter Picasso at Madoura in 1948.
The couple founded their house-ceramic workshop ' Le Murier ', in reference to the name of the district. Already well established in this village since 1946, Jean Derval initially helped Gustave and Jacqueline with enamelling and graphic decoration. Later, the arrival of successive turners such as Jean-François Descombes and decorators Michel Barbier and Jean Rivier enabled the workshop to create a production of tableware and lamps, of high quality identifiable by all. The colors used are mainly copper red, cobalt blue most often on a creamy background.
After the death of Gustave Reynaud in 1972, Jacqueline continued utility production until the workshop closed in 1982. Before 1972, the mulberry leaf is the signature of the workshop. Subsequently, the mentions of the stamp 'Le murier' and or Vallauris appear.
Many young ceramists will make a passage in the Murier workshop like Olivier Roy who stayed there for a year and a half. Engraved or cast under enamel, the stylized decorations deal with floral or animal themes, most often with birds and abstract motifs for utilitarian and decorative ceramics. Inspired by Jean Derval's models, knight pitchers and virgins with child take shape.
