HAVILAND & CO., LIMOGES CHINA

     In my antique hunts, I sometimes can find a piece or two of good French porcelain marked "Haviland & Co. Limoges".  Many of these pieces are a valued collectible and quite beautiful.  In this blog I will give some background on this remarkable china.

HISTORY

     The term "Limoges" actually refers to a region in the west-central Haute-Vienne region of France.  Many French porcelain factories are located here.  In the nineteenth century,  American businessman David Haviland visited Limoges, France in search of new business opportunities.  In the late 1830's, he began importing Limoges porcelain to his fine china store in New York City.

     By 1852, David and his family had relocated to Limoges.  He began designing, purchasing, and decorating china for export from various Limoges potteries.  Around 1865 he established his own factory in Limoges in order to manufacture the porcelain himself.  He hired and trained local artisans to produce the beautiful floral designs his company became known for.

                                                     
                                Hot Chocolate Service, Theodore Haviland, Limoges
                                                   circa 1895-1905, via Wikipedia




MARKS
 
      Other family members quickly joined David to learn the business.  In 1852, David's father sent his nephew Charles Field Haviland to Limoges.  Charles Field soon married into the Allaud family, owners of Casseaux pottery.  Charles used the mark "CFH" when he took over the business.

     In 1864, David's sons Charles Edward and Theodore joined the firm, and it  grew to be the largest factory in the Limosin District.  They took full control of the factory upon David's death in 1879, but  had a parting of ways and sold the old firm in 1891.

     The mark "Haviland et Cie" was produced by Charles Edward.  However,  he died in 1922 and by 1931, the business was closed.  Theodore then started his own factory, which produced pieces until 1952.

     Haviland  & Co. is still in business under the name Haviland Company.  It is run by Theodore Haviland II.  In addition to fine porcelain, they now also sell crystal and silverware.  There are estimated to be as many as 60,000 Haviland patterns.

                                                                         

                                                                      
                                                                         

                                              The French Farmhouse Photos

     Above, a very beautiful cream soup set with a pink floral design and French blue trim.  This piece was produced by Haviland & Co. for Charles Mayer & Co., a high-end home specialty store in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Theses old cream soup sets are particularly hard to find!
    
                                                                           

                                                                                 

                                              The French Farmhouse Photos

                                                                                                                          
     Above, another cream soup set from the same estate, this one with a dark green trim.

     The best of  luck finding your own Haviland treasures!

SUMMER IN PARIS

     Although Paris summers are known for being quite warm, there are various unique events held in the city which make it worth the visit.

Bastille Day--La Fete Nationale

July 14, 2013
     Bastille Day (known as La Fete Nationale in France) marks the day in 1789 in which the French people stormed the Bastille prison, thus beginning the French Revolution.  This is a well-celebrated French national holiday.

     During the day, there is a military parade down the Champs-Elysees.  This is a rather elaborate affair, starting at the Arc de Triomphe and is complete with marching and mounted military units, bands, military and civil choirs, and singers singing classic French patriot songs.

     La Marseillaise, the National Anthem of France, is played with great reverence. The parade often ends with a popular parachute display from the French Armed Forces.

    At night, the French set off an impressive fireworks display around the Eiffel tower.  The Paris Visitor's Bureau  states that the fireworks will begin around 11:00 p.m. this year.  The public can view the display from the Champs de Mars and Trocadero.


                                                     
                                             Eiffel Tower Fireworks, Wikipedia  

Paris Plages

July 20 to August 20, 2013
     The "Paris Beach" is a rather unique event run by the mayor's office to provide relief to Parisians during the hot summer.  It has proved to be quite popular for Parisians who cannot escape to the seaside!

     During this event, roads along the river Seine are transformed into artificial beaches, complete with sand, palm trees, umbrellas, and beach side cafes.  They recently added a floating swimming pool and a ferry to serve as a shuttle between the two river banks.

     This is a regular summer event in Paris , and a great opportunity to cool off and mingle with the locals!

                                                     
                                                       Paris Plages, Wikipedia

La Villette Open-Air Cinema

Parc de la Villette, 19th arrondissment
July 24 through August 28, 2013

     This is a another summer favorite held  at the Parc de la Villette in northern Paris.  At least one film is shown each evening, and many are in English.  Parisians bring their picnic baskets, blankets, and folding chairs to view both classic and recent hit movies.

     Showings begin at sundown, and are mostly free.  For those without folding chairs or blankets, they are available there to rent.

                                                           
                                                     Cinema en Plein Air Poster  

Summer Fashion Sales

June 29, 2013 through July 30, 2013

     Paris is famous for its fabulous summer sales which can reach discounts as high as 75%.  Superb discounts can be found on clothes, shoes, bags, watches, jewelry, and luggage at boutiques and department stores.

     Look for the "Soldes" signs!

                                           
                                                              Sales Signs in Paris