Visit to the Musée de la Faïence de Quimper
It’s a lovely diversion. We get out of our accommodation and yet don’t have to be in this city. A short walk under a sky covered with deep clouds, before we cross one of the countless bridges over the river Odet and arrive at the museum through a narrow alley in the Locmaria district.
High windows reveal the entire entrance area. Pictures hang on the walls, shelves with books, ceramics, and other small souvenirs. A young woman greets us and even explains in English what awaits us. The museum presents the history of porcelain decoration manufacturing in Quimper using the faience technique across eight rooms.
The rooms are small, but not cramped. In the center are shelves mostly displaying ceramics behind glass. Due to the reflecting light, these exhibits are not always easy to see clearly. I find three areas particularly impressive. The first one right at the beginning, where many pictures of workers hang on the walls. It was mostly men who produced the ceramics. Probably because the heavy wheels, which could only be moved with great strength, were left to the men. Women are predominantly seen decorating the ceramics.
The second area stands out for the beautiful, very detailed plates and vases by two artists – Jean Caër and Pierre Poquet. These are even the most beautiful pieces in my opinion. And then there’s the third area, which focuses on colonially inspired ceramics and drawings. Earthy colors or vases that could be from antiquity. All in all, a wonderful little excursion. Highly recommended.