The Johnston-Vieillard manufactory (Bordeaux, France, 19th century): preliminary results on white earthenware production
Résumé
The Johnston–Vieillard manufactory (1835-1895) used to be an industry flagship in the Bordeaux area (France) for several decades in the nineteenth century. The manufactory produced and white earthenware that was notorious for its formal and aesthetic aspects [1]. Yet, some unsolved questions remain regarding the evolution of ceramic production techniques during the 19th century. This is unfortunate because ceramics are a prime testimony of the evolution of the society. Furthermore, in the literature, very few studies address the specific
class of ceramics called ‘white earthenware’ according to Maggetti et al in [2] and [3].
In the case of the Johnston–Vieillard manufactory, a recent excavation in the ancient factory area has provided significant quantities of wasted materials as well as the different elements of ceramics chaîne opératoire.Consequently, this archaeological discovery has offered us a unique perspective to consider the industrial techniques of ceramics production in Bordeaux in the 19th century.
This present research focuses on the technical evolution of the white earthenware productions during the different chronological periods of the factory life. In order to do this, a physico-chemical characterization was performed using a combination of analytical techniques that included optical microscopy, SEM-EDS and X-Ray diffraction. A group of 85 sherds, which are representative of the successive periods of the manufactory, were analyzed. The composition of the ceramic body was investigated in order to collect information concerning ceramic characteristics and production technology. Moreover, these preliminary data will be further examined in the light of written sources (catalogues of exposure and correspondences).
Acknowledgements: This research is supported by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, the LaScArBx (Bordeaux Archaeological Science Cluster of Excellence), ANR-10-LABX-52, the CNRS and Bordeaux Montaigne University.
[1] J. Du Pasquier, J. Vieillard & Cie, Histoire de la faïence fine à Bordeaux, De l’anglomanie au rêve orientaliste, Mollat, Bordeaux (2002)
[2] M. Maggetti, J. Rosen, V. Seernels, Archaeometry 53, 4 (2011) 765–790.
[3] M. Maggetti, A. Heege, V. Serneels, Periodico di Mineralogia 84, 1, (2015) 139–168.
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