La Madeleine Anduze Garden Pots

"Once upon a time at the foot of the Cevennes, there was a little town whose reputation grew and grew through the centuries. Its emblem was the Anduze garden pot.

Inspired by the Italian garden pots of the Medici style, ornamented with garland of fruit and flowers, their size was at once practical and harmonious. Turned with strength and power by the hands of men who loved their work, they had several artists sign their names to them: Louis Bourguet, Castanet, Clauzel…

The family coats of arms are still recognizable today and the oldest among them, the famous Jean Gautier probably dates from 1782. He was the one who first introduced this ornamental garden pot, which was to have such an enduring destiny.

And today, La Madeleine was created to link up with the past while remaining faithful to the traditional craftsmanship of the golden days of the Anduze garden pot. Know-how and a respect for authenticity have allowed the Madeleine pottery to attain pride of place amongst the businesses associated with the making of the Anduze garden pots.

In many ways, the garden pot has always managed to keep its original identity, and through many creations, the soul of garden pottery has remained intaet. Today, the famous coat of arms bearing the image of the Madeleine constitutes a respected point of reference the world over.

The types of clays necessary to create the garden pots were dug from deep in the heart of the Cevennes, from Anduze to Gang, by way of Durfort, thus creating authentic pieces of work, instantly recognizable from their shape and green and ochre tints.

These elegant pots used to embellish the gardens and orangeries of rich people’s houses in which citrus fruits were planted. The garlands are still set by hand, together with the family coat of arms--constituting a memorable trademark."

from the Anduze Pottery Brochure

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