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Although Aubagne is most often associated with Marcel Pagnol, it is also famous for its clay work. This age-old tradition is perpetuated today by talented craftsmen.
It’s not for nothing that the town remains the pottery capital of Provence. Discover pottery and clay in Aubagne d’Aubagne during your week in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur!
Emblematic materials and techniques of Aubagne ceramics
The soil type in Provence offers an abundance of raw materials for ceramics: local clays bursting with minerals. Clay processing in Aubagne was boosted by the construction of the lower town and the first tile factories in the 15th century. The pottery and ceramics industry began to take off in the 19th century.
Ceramics in Aubagne covers a wide range of techniques, including glazed earthenware, raku and skillful throwing. High-temperature firing in the workshop remains the main technique that gives each piece its authenticity.
Major figures in Aubagne ceramics
A number of great names have left their mark on Aubagne’s clay-working tradition. For example, theSaint-Zacharie ceramics industry, with its battery of four kilns, was one of the pioneers of the sector.
In 1895, Louis Sicard created the ceramic Cicada as a corporate gift for the Société Générale des Tuileries de Marseille. This piece went on to become an emblem of the Louis Sicard faïencerie. Poterie Ravel is another well-known ceramics workshop in Aubagne. It has been renewing its collection of terracotta ware for over 180 years.
The santons of Aubagne
Theart of santonnier is a branch of Aubagne ceramics that complements the tradition of working with clay. Santon-making was democratized thanks to Thérèse Neveu, sister of Louis Sicard. The “Dame de Clastre” revolutionized the image of santons, going beyond the reproduction of typical crib figures. She brought to life santons inspired by real characters from the Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Étoile, such as Margarido and his blue umbrella, or Virginie de Garlaban and her rabbits.
The workshop where Thérèse Neveu made her santons with her family is none other than Marcel Pagnol’s Petit Monde today.
Galerie Argilla: the home of santon and ceramics in Aubagne
Galerie Argilla is one of Aubagne’s proudest achievements. The space comprises a 600 m² boutique featuring an admirable collection of over two thousand original ceramic works in Aubagne: jewelry, tableware, decorative items and santons.
The Argilla gallery showcases the skills and imagination of local ceramists. The pieces presented in the gallery are the work of over 45 ceramists and santonniers. Every odd-numbered year in August, the gallery organizes the Argilla, the largest pottery market in France and Europe since 1991.
Marché aux santons et à la céramique: a summer event in Aubagne
The Aubagne santon and ceramics market is one of the town’s summer highlights. It also takes place during the Christmas season. This annual gathering of ceramists, santonniers and potters from the Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Étoile is held on the Cours de Foch, in the center of town.
During this major market in Aubagne, the narrow streets are decked out with colorful stalls adorned with the latest creations from artisans. The event is also punctuated by concerts, painting workshops for children, pottery courses for older children, etc.
If you’re visiting Provence for the vacations, take the opportunity to discover the art of ceramics in Aubagne. Don’t miss the big exhibition at l’Argilla, and don’t forget to take home a small clay souvenir from the store. The campsite near Marseille is close by, so you can enjoy a restful night’s sleep after discovering this local art.