At the bend in an alley, it is not uncommon to pass in front of a potter's workshop or a ceramicist's window. Inside, bathed in light, everyday objects or unique pieces are displayed on shelves. And if you take the time to slow down, you will see, at the back of the shop, a woman or a man turning a piece. This craft has been anchored in the territory for a very, very long time. We tell you everything!
Montans, an influential ceramics center in Gallo-Roman times
An ancestral know-how
The geographical location of Montans is conducive to the development of pottery. In addition to its location protected by waterways, the alluvial soils and clayey lands of the site allow easy extraction of the raw material.
The Gallic period is poor in historical sources, but archaeologists have found traces in Montans of a certain mastery of pottery, and even of goldsmithing dating back to at least the 7th century BC.
The arrival of the Romans in the 3e century BC
With the arrival of the Romans, the whole city was transformed: widespread use of the Latin language, Roman-style clothing, new beliefs, improvement of land and sea communication routes, etc.
If the rise of pottery was possible, it was because the Gauls already had a good command of the craft. It was therefore on this skilled workforce that the new arrivals relied to develop, on a large scale, a style of ceramic characteristic of the reign of Augustus, sigillata ceramics.
These potteries are covered with a red glaze and decorated with relief decoration. To meet demand, 400 ovens are built and the city can produce up to 9 pieces per day!
The pottery is sold throughout the South-West of Gaul, but also in Spain, Armorica, and even in Great Britain.
The golden age ended at the beginning of the 3rd century AD. Was it a scarcity of raw materials or market fatigue? The reasons for the decline are not well known, but one thing is certain: production centres moved.
Today, Archaeological Center de Montans allows you to immerse yourself in this vibrant period with the reconstruction of a Gallo-Roman village as well as a museum space bringing together the most astonishing pieces found on site. It is open to the public from spring to autumn.
Preparing your visit to the Montans Archaeological Center
Giroussens and pottery, a long history
The rise of pottery in the 13th centurye the 17e century
This small fortified town overlooking the Agout owes the rise of its ceramics to the decision of a certain Amalric de Lautrec. In the 13th century, this viscount granted the inhabitants the privilege, among others, of collecting all the wood necessary for daily needs, in particular those of feeding cooking ovens. And this is how pottery began to emerge in Giroussens.
However, it was not until the 17th century that the country house began to shine with its expertise: glazed earth. Explanations.
The raw pieces are hand-painted before being covered with lead. When fired, the lead turns into varnish, thus preserving the bright colours of the paintings. At the beginning of the period, the village had just over 70 ceramists, grouped into a brotherhood. Their number increased until 1735, the peak of this know-how.
Changes in fashion and the arrival of earthenware marked the beginning of the decline of ceramics in Giroussens. And it was the French Revolution with the abolition of privileges who is right about the potters. The kilns are destroyed and production stops.
Ceramics are reborn from the ashes
It was in the 90s that ceramics were reborn in Giroussens, under the impetus of three major players: the Terre & Terres association, the Arts et Poteries de Giroussens association and the municipality. From their common will was born the Center for Contemporary Ceramics having the objective of:
- the promotion of contemporary ceramics in national and international level
- le soutien small and large workshops
- la legacy know-how
Twenty years after its creation, the Center joins forces with others French ceramic centers (Guebwiller, La Borne, Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, Dieulefit) to constitute the Network of Ceramic Centers (RCC) in 2018. Since then, artists and artisans from all over France have been exchanging their practices and knowledge, organizing events and building projects together artistic projects.
It is therefore no surprise that the city acquired the label in 2022 “City and Crafts” thus joining 69 other municipalities which ensure the transmission and enrichment of manufacturing and artistic knowledge.
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Meeting the ceramists
The excitement generated by Giroussens led other ceramists and potters to set up shop throughout the region: Cordes sur Ciel, Penne or even Saint-Beauzile! You will find, almost everywhere, these women and men who shape the earth and play with fire. Don't hesitate to go and meet them during the Contemporary Ceramics Market organized for more than 30 years in Giroussens at the beginning of June or directly to their workshop.
Ateliers du Couvent
Lea Zanotti Céramique
Atelier Lagrane
L’atelier de l’Amulette
Atelier Panthère
Aster Cassel
Anne-Marie Séguier
Atelier Aloussa
