Quaint Quimper

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I’ve always loved Quimper Pottery since childhood. Its simple tableware in blues, reds and yellow; depicting men, women and floral patterns have always delighted me.

For 300 years the town of Quimper has been regarding for it pottery the world over. Currently there are over 20 patterns. The ones I’m familiar with are: Henriot, Campagne, Fleuri, Fleuri Royal. Mistral Blue and Tradition.

My vintage plate gifted to me by my Mother In Law Marge. I love it…

Quimper (pronounced cam-pair) is a town in Brittany, France. It was and is home to several manufacturers of tin-glazed, faience wares. Pottery production dates back to the Gallo-Roman era.

These Candle holders and the Pedestal bowl belonged to my mother Rita.

Some history:

Henriot Quimper - Guillaume Dumaine established HR (Henriot Quimper), a third rival firm in 1778. In 1884, Jules Herniot took over the Dumaine factory. HenRiot - Porquier and Henriot Quimper merged in 1913. In the 1920s, Julie Henriot worked with Rene-Yves Creston from Air Seiz Breur, an artistic movement founded in 1923 to revive Breton arts. In 1968 HB merged with HenRiot. Each firm retained its own marks. Sales drop significantly in the 1970s. In 1983, the company faced possible liquidation. Paul Janssens, a Hollander who controlled the import of Quimper to the United States, assumed control of the company and renamed it “The New Quimper Faience.” The company revived. In October 2003, Pierre Chiron and 14 stockholders bought the company from Janssens. Michel Merle assumed the management duties. In 2011, Jean Pierre Le Goff purchased the company and renamed it HenRiot. Here is the current factory logo with link:

Here are a images of two well-known patterns.

I purchased this small vase about 20 years ago at the Quimper Store that was located in Stonington, CT. I love that each side has a different pattern.

Below you’ll see a vintage covered sugar bowl and a modern piece. I love seeing the old and new together. In addition the sweet vase and small platter are lovely. My sister Noreen has some terrific pieces.

I spied this Campagne Cream and Sugar at the Olde Engine Works recently.

Do you own any Quimper? Did you spy any patterns you felt drawn too? Til next time friends be well and I’ll see you on Instagram.

Artful Additions

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Hello Friends over the last year I brought some special pieces of Art into the Chalet. As we step into this new year I wanted to take a moment of reflection and share these talented artists with you.

Claire Tanner: I have the wonderful watercolor of President Lincoln and the sweetest Little Bird. Claire uses unexpected hues in her works and each piece is truly unlike anyone’s I’ve ever seen. Read my feature of Claire here.

Instagram: @clairetannerart and her Website: Claire Tanner Art

Claire Tanner - President Lincoln

Claire Tanner - Little Bird

Paige Ledom: I’ve loved Paige’s unique collage art since first seeing them on Instagram. I already owned a Goldfinch and was thrilled to add The Sailor. Read my feature of Paige here.

Instagram: @theovergrownhome and her Website: The Overgrown Home

Paige Ledom: Sailor Study

Brittany Smith: I have been besotted with Brittany’s gorgeous florals for a long long time and finally made a decision - friends it was hard! I love the colors in Respite IV makes me think of peonies and the field of flowers in Meadow I makes me want to run barefoot. Both these pieces bring me joy.

Instagram: @brittanysmithstudio and her Website: Brittany Smith Studio

Brittany Smith: Respite IV

Brittany Smith: Meadow I

Mel Remmers: Mel has a large varied body of amazing work but, I was always drawn to her nudes. I still need to frame and decide where she’ll live.

Instagram: @melremmers and her Website: Mel Remmers Studio

I encourage you to check these wonderful creatives out and find a piece for your home too!

Til next time be well and I hope you are finding the start of 2024 good.

Let's Belly Up To The Bar Cart

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Recently I helped clients select and set up a bar cart for their home. The goal being - effortless entertaining. To be able to present a lovely cocktail or cheerily say to guests “ Everything’s on the Bar.” Let’s look at what we chose.

The Lionel Two Tier Bar Cart from Target is sturdy and large measuring 34"W x 17"D x 34.25"H with wheels for ease of movement.

The Lionel Two Tier Bar Cart

Target had the perfect Ice Bucket.

Metal Ice Bucket with Tongs

At Home Sense I found Stemless Wine glasses, Champagne Coups, Gold Embellished Rocks glasses and cocktail napkins.

TA DA!

The Bar Cart looks marvelous under newly installed artwork and next to newly installed draperies.

The mood-board for the cart were shades of gold and amber. The client wanted to tell that story and it does so wonderfully. The clients are thrilled. I received a message: “Did I buy wine to add to the cart that matches the aesthetic maybe!?! Did I serve a guest last night from the cart! Oh yes I did!”

Nothing better than making your clients happy! I’m delighted to take my clients wants and fulfill them because I truly understand their style.

How about a few recipes:

DARK AND STORMY

  • 1.5 oz Gosling’s Black Seal Rum

  • Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer

  • In a tall glass filled with ice add 4 – 5 oz of Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer and top with         Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. Garnish with a lime wedge.

GIN MARTINI

  • 2 1/2 ounces gin

  • 1/2 ounce dry vermouth

  • Garnish with Olives

  • To make a Dirty Martini add olives and a bit of the brine from the olive jar.

CHAMPAGNE OR PROSECCO

  • Make sure the bottle is chilled. A bottle of champagne or sparkling wine should be chilled to about 45* F. If not cold enough the pressure inside the bottle will cause the cork to release very quickly. You do not want liquor spraying all over or a projectile cork taking an eye out!

  • Place bottle on a flat solid surface and carefully remove foil and metal cage. Cover the cork with a towel and with firm and careful pressure turn the bottle while gently turning the cork in the opposite direction.

I hope this inspires you to set up your own bar area - either for the holidays or 365 days a year. Make sure you’re checking in daily on stories and posts on Instagram and until next time be well and Cheers!

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