Ceramic Bowl By Gilbert Valentin, "les Archanges," Vallauris

Leaf-shaped ceramic dish by Gilbert Valentin Les Archanges in Vallauris, glazed red, with black grainy edges and reverse side. 1950s.

Good condition (restored at the tip)

15x13.5 cm

Signed with the Les Archanges monogram on the reverse: Gilbert Valentin  (1928–2001)

Son of an artistic blacksmith, he learned the techniques of ironwork and wood carving. He discovered pottery in Dieulefit in 1946, took ceramics classes and completed an internship at the Lunéville pottery in 1948.

In 1950, he settled in Vallauris and founded the Poterie des Archanges. He exhibited in Paris, Milan, New York (1954–55), then Stuttgart and Faenza. In 1960, Jean Cocteau became the president of the Club des Archanges. In 1962, he exhibited his “white imprints” in Brussels. Starting in 1963, he set up a workshop for working with iron, alongside his pottery creations. He is one of the greatest names in pottery in Vallauris.

Bibliography: "The Golden Age of Vallauris" by Anne Lajoix, Les éditions de l'Amateur, page 177.