Sevres
(1756-present)
Sèvres porcelain is one of Europe’s most celebrated porcelain traditions, admired for centuries for its refinement, colour, and decoration. Based in Sèvres, just outside Paris, the manufactory was originally founded in 1740 at Vincennes before relocating to its present site in 1756. Since 1759, the factory has been under royal or state ownership, producing exceptional pieces that remain symbols of French cultural heritage.
Early Origins at Vincennes
The roots of Sèvres porcelain lie in the Manufacture de Vincennes, established in 1740. Queen Marie Leszczyńska, wife of Louis XV, became an early patron, commissioning delicate porcelain flowers in 1748 to rival the works of Chantilly and Meissen. Her enthusiasm was soon matched by Madame de Pompadour, whose influence helped move the manufactory closer to Versailles. In 1756, production shifted to a new, purpose-built facility at Sèvres designed by Laurent Lindet, where every stage of porcelain making, from moulding to painting, was brought together under one roof.
Sevres style table clock available in our CERAMICS collection at Jacksons Antique
Royal Patronage and the Rise of Soft-Paste Porcelain
In 1759, Louis XV acquired the manufactory, officially transforming it into the Royal Manufactory of Sèvres. Under the artistic guidance of Jean-Claude Duplessis, Sèvres became renowned for soft-paste porcelain, particularly pieces in bold colours such as the famous bleu de Sèvres. These wares were highly prized at court and across Europe, often gifted to foreign rulers as diplomatic tokens.
Discovery of Kaolin and the Shift to Hard-Paste
The discovery of kaolin near Limoges in 1768 enabled Sèvres to rival Meissen by producing true hard-paste porcelain. From 1770 onwards, both soft-paste and hard-paste were manufactured, with soft-paste continuing until 1804. Under Louis-Simon Boizot (director 1774–1800), the factory’s style evolved toward Neoclassicism, reflecting the grandeur of the late 18th century and Napoleonic Empire.
Napoleon and the 19th Century
In 1800, Napoleon Bonaparte appointed Alexandre Brongniart as director. Brongniart expanded production to include monumental vases, table services, and elaborate decorative pieces, many designed as diplomatic gifts. During the Second Empire, Sèvres experienced a revival of Louis XVI-inspired decoration, with richly gilded and painted designs overseen by Henri Victor Regnault.
By the mid-19th century, the manufactory embraced changing tastes, experimenting with Japonism, then moving into Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles under artistic director A. Sandier. In 1875, Sèvres moved to its present site near the Parc de Saint-Cloud, where it continues to operate today.
Sevres Style 19th Century Enamel Box available in our DECORATIVE collection at Jacksons Antique
Kilns, Craft, and Innovation
A key milestone came in 1877 when Ambroise Milet oversaw the construction of six monumental Anagama kilns, capable of firing large pieces at intense heat. These kilns, now protected as historical monuments, gave Sèvres its ability to produce works of extraordinary size and quality. Today, although traditional wood-firing has ended, the manufactory continues to employ artisanal techniques alongside modern methods, ensuring continuity of tradition.
Sèvres in the Modern Era
In 2010, the manufactory became part of Sèvres – Cité de la Céramique, together with the Musée National de la Céramique and later the Musée National Adrien Dubouché in Limoges. This integration highlighted Sèvres’ dual role as both a historic producer and a centre for contemporary ceramic innovation. Today, the factory continues to produce both historic reproductions and modern creations, maintaining its reputation as one of the most important porcelain manufacturers in the world.