Renaissance of an astonishingly modern art form 
At
the time of Thibaut IV, the huge medieval fairs of the Champagne country
region became the cradles of a decorative art that radiated throughout
Christendom.
Alluvial deposits used through the ages gave the artists, craftsmen and
workmen
of the time the material they needed to give free rein to their imagination.
In order to create
tiles of a high aesthetic value to adorn the cathedrals and the mansions
of the noblemen, they invented a technique that resembled engraving.
These
artisans replicated their medieval world: the bestiary prevalent on farms
and in the forests, the heraldic repertory, and various natural vines,
together with a whole series of different geometric shapes that were assembled
into larger geometric patterns.
Provins, the capital city of
the counts of Champagne, became one of the most famous of these tile-producing
centres.
Once again, Provins has become the centre of a very refined art form.
The Provins Medieval Tile has come to life once more, thanks to the efforts of a few dedicated researchers, artists and historians, all experts in a tile firing process that is almost a form of alchemy.
These specialists have rediscovered the secrets of the tile's composition, analysed and reproduced many of its ancient patterns, and tested new combinations of different types of clays and metals.
Initially,
this endeavour was simply part of a larger effort to preserve our national
heritage.
This dedicated group is now ready to offer its expertise to the artists
and decorators of
today.
The
Provins Medieval Tile is highly unusual because of the technique used,
i.e.
the incrusting of two very different types of clay.
One
clay is used to make the tile itself.
The
other ("l'engobe" in French) keeps its natural colour or is
tinted with oxides
to create a pattern..
After
drying, the tile is glazed.
In
order to thoroughly replicate traditional medieval techniques, the enamels
are made in our workshop.
These enamels, when combined, offer a wide variety of colours.
Photographs : Guillaume ROCROY