The artists

A factory open to artists

Gien is synonymous with pattern and story. The collections are as much treasures drawn from our archives as they are contemporary creations by renowned artists. This particularly strong connection with artists seems to be what best defines the Gien manufacture. These numerous collaborations, in their very essence, write the history of decorative arts.

The Faïencerie de Gien has always been associated with the artists of its time. In the 19th century, Gien recruited workshop managers (Ulysse Bertrand, Paul Jusselin, etc.) who were first and foremost artists. In the 1940s and 50s, Jean Bertholle, a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and then Master Pierre, a student of André Masson, led the creative process.
Gien collaborates with various movements and schools: from the School of Paris to the Support/Surface movement with Cane and Viallat, then Cortot's painting-writing.

Designers joined forces with artists in the 1990s: Paco Rabanne created “Dorique,” a tableware service with fluted shapes. Elisabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti designed “Séville” for the 1998 World Expo. Patrick Jouin, at the request of Alain Ducasse, designed the “Evol” service, which became part of the Centre Pompidou's collections. Olivier Gagnère revisited Gien's signature style with “Allure.” Andrée Putman took a different approach in 2003 with her “Polka” tea service. Alongside artists and designers, creators such as Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Isabelle de Borchgrave, and Brigitte de Bazelaire also contributed. For its bicentenary, Gien gave carte blanche to artists (John One, Inès de Longevial, etc.) and fashion designers (Yaz Bukey, Julie de Libran, etc.).

The artists in our collections