Musée de la Faïence: A Showcase of Moustiers Pottery

The Musée de la Faïence, located in the heart of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of faience pottery in the region. The museum is housed in the former mansion of the Seigneur de la Clue, offering visitors a glimpse into the evolution of this unique art form from its origins to the present day. The museum's collection includes over 300 rare pieces, with the oldest dating back to 1687. Visitors can explore the different stages of faience production, from shaping to decoration and firing, through a series of exhibits and informative displays. The displays include glazed tiles and pipes. The "Grand Salon Bleu" showcases blue and white faience from the early Clérissy and Olérys factories. Other rooms display different eras and styles, including the green room's garland decor, the grotesque decor room, and the pink room's 18th and 19th-century pieces. The village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has been known for its pottery since the Middle Ages, but it was Pierre Clérissy who transformed the traditional craft into faience in the 17th century. Inspired by Italian techniques, Clérissy developed a method for creating white enamel pottery that quickly gained popularity throughout Europe. The industry declined in the late 19th century due to competition from English porcelain but was revived in 1928 by Marcel Provence, who founded the Académie de Moustiers and the Musée de la Faïence. Today, several workshops in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie continue to produce faience, keeping this traditional art form alive.