Vintage French Copper Rondeau by E. Dehillerin Paris

A vintage French copper skillet from the main kitchen at Chanteduc, kept on the open shelf and always within reach. From Patricia Wells’s personal collection, it carries the E. Dehillerin, Paris stamp, the legendary house founded in 1820 and long allied with master coppersmiths such as Mauviel, and a favorite of Patricia’s close friend Julia Child. Low and wide, it has a snug copper lid, cast brass side handles, stout rivets, and the warm cuivré glow that comes from steady use. In the hand it feels substantial, the kind of reassuring weight cooks trust for even, gentle heat. This skillet is featured on p.140 of The French Kitchen Cookbook, by Patricia Wells. Patricia explains, “Decorative but also functional, I still use it. It’s very heavy for its size and a good all-rounder.” In practice it excels at weeknight braises, slow tomato sauces, or a careful poach, then moves straight to the table for convivial service. The piece reflects her sensibility of intelligent simplicity and generosity at the table, shaped by life between Paris and Provence. At home, let it anchor a batterie de cuisine on a pot rack or rest on a countertop where its soft patina adds character and remains ready for the next mise en place.