La Borne contemporary ceramic centre (Cher)
The "Centre céramique contemporaine La Borne" is an important element of a pottery heritage unique in France. It is a place of local, national and international reference for the enhancement of contemporary ceramic creation.
A pottery activity attested for 4 centuries
La Borne is a hamlet located in the communes of Henrichemont and Morogues in the department of Cher. A pottery activity is attested in this territory for four centuries. Until the Second World War, the production of domestic, agricultural and architectural parts was important. But already from the 1920s onwards, traditional ceramics, competing with other materials or no longer corresponding to the tastes of the population, began to decline. During the Second World War, the shortage revived production. Ceramic artists come to learn the secrets of the land from former potters. Among them are Jean and Jacqueline Lerat, André Rozay, Vassil Ivanoff.
After the end of the war, while the other pottery villages in France disappeared, La Borne experienced a revival thanks to the installation of a new generation of artists of various nationalities who abandoned traditional production in favour of works of art. Today, more than 100 kilns, many of which are wood-fired ovens – a local specialty – are operating in and around La Borne.
La Borne: a pottery village, unique in Europe
The Borne currently houses several associations dedicated to ceramics: the Pottery Museum whose collection is gradually enriched by acquisitions; the Vassil Ivanov Museum whose collection consists of 300 pieces donated by the family; theAssociation of Talbot Workshops designed to safeguard and preserve the oven and workshops that belonged to Jean Talbot, the last complete set of traditional pottery in La Borne; andLa Borne Ceramic Association (ACLB), a group of ceramists from La Borne who set up residences in 2013. The association bears the responsibility for the artistic part: programming of the exhibitions, reception of artists in residence. The ceramic center, managed by the community of communes, supports the distribution/ sale part.
Relaunch the project by the arrival of new energies
Since 2008, pottery activity has been confronted with the economic crisis that has drained a large part of its income. In addition, the potters' village is faced with an ageing population and an increase in the price of land that makes it increasingly difficult for young people attracted to pottery activity to set up in the territory. Faced with this situation, the various partners are thinking about ways to make the ceramic and the village of La Borne better known and to promote the installation of a new generation. The reception/residence of contemporary artists set up at La Borne should make it possible to attract new energies to the Borne. In addition to the existing work space, a fixed place of residence should be added, which would allow artists with a ceramic project already designed, with an already established production budget, to come to La Borne with the technical complicity of one or more ceramists.
The Centre Céramique Contemporaine La Borne: programme and events
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