La Faïencerie de Gien

Established in 1821 on the site of the former Minimes convent, the Manufacture de faïence fine de Gien was owned by Thomas Hall, an earthenware manufacturer of British origin who co-owned the factories at Montereau, Pont-aux-Choux (Paris) and Noirlac. Cleverly located on the banks of the Loire and close to the Briare canal, it benefits from a number of advantages for the transport of goods. Paris, Orléans, Nantes and the south of France are all within easy reach thanks to the region's extensive transport network. The presence of numerous clay, flint and sand quarries ensures local supplies. Wood was floated in from the forests of Orléans and Puisaye to fuel the Manufacture's first beehive kilns.
These strategic advantages ensured the success of the factory, which became Faïencerie de Gien in 1875. Renowned for the quality of its paste and decorations, the Faïencerie built up an international reputation at World Fairs and became a member of the prestigious Comité Colbert in 1989.
Celebrating its bicentenary in 2021, the Faïencerie de Gien is renovating its museum, inaugurated in 1985, with the aim of showcasing Gien's expertise and artistic tradition.