It's been a while...

Well, it certainly has been a while since I have blogged.  Don't know why really, just busy with life, the universe and everything.

A few piccies from a recent Sunday afternoon at the Bishop's Garden,  at the cathedral in Limoges.   Strolling about with our son and daughter, it was a lovely day, not too hot - it has been very warm.  Our son said he often walks there, takes a book, meets a friend or two - it's the nearest green space to his flat in town.

More little jaunts around the area to follow...

Some Limoges items - from where I live!

A sheet of Limoges vignettes - used by the outworkers to decorate the tiny Limoges plates you often see around - there are many different pictures so are very collectable - and very popular as little gifts, especially from children to their mums here in Limousin. £10


Sorry but the butterfly dish is sold
This white porcelain dish is decorated with butterflies - I particularly like the shape of the piece, and I love the butterflies. The porcelain is quite fine and looks lovely against dark wood. £12



Flowers are always popular, and this little bouquet is sweet - a perfect dish for bon-bons, or on a dressing table for pins etc. £10



Turquoise is lovely - very popular and looks great in contrast with the burgundy plate below £10



and burgundy goes with turquoise! I like the classical pictures in the centre of each plate, nicely highlighted in gold. £10



This is a children's bowl with its original presentation box. Hot water is poured into the hole - under the sweet little porcelain bird stopper - and it keeps baby's food hot. Often given as christening or welcome baby gifts, it's very rare to find the original box. SO sweet! £20



Limoges also made more practical items such as this bathroom set. This one has 7 pieces and a classical motif of Cupid, decorated in turquoise and gold. Perfect for a period bathroom...£48


I live in Limousin which is the department - or county - in which Limoges is the main town. It is a lovely place to live: lakes, rolling hills and beautiful, mysterious forests...we also have the famous (and very large) Limousin cattle.

The discovery of kaolin at Limoges at the end of 18th century meant that porcelain could be made here in France and factories sprung up alongside the river Vienne. This was once a poor area and countryfolk supplemented their income by taking in Limoges porcelain blanks for hand decorating - hence the sheet of Limoges vignettes.

All the above pieces are on my Etsy site here but if you need any info, just email me or comment.

Have a good weekend - the sun is shining here, so I'm due out in the garden for a spot of weeding I think...

A whole sheet of Limoges vignettes

Both sheets were sold but found another in a drawer as at April 2011
This is a whole sheet of vignettes from the Limoges porcelain factory. The little country scenes with beautifully dressed courtiers, musicians and galants, were used to decorate the blank pieces of porcelain, then fired and finished by painting by hand.

In the Limousin region, the agricultural workers used to decorate the wares in the winter when they couldn't work on the land - the alternative was slipper or glove making - or starve...

They are such sweet little scenes: singing and dancing, flirting and sneaking kisses, gorgeous 18th century costumes and hairstyles - all so very French...

I've listed it in my Etsy shop here but the best bit is...I've got 2 sheets!

New Stock

Sorry but this item is sold

Although unsigned and unmarked, this stunning French tole and porcelain box is probably from Limoges - is this Marie Antoinette? I think so...see the fine details and more photos here






Sorry, but I'm sold!

This beautiful crucifix in deepest, shabby red velvet - gorgeously aged and lots of verdigris- read about it here ..



Sorry, but I'm sold!

And one in green velvet - perfect for decoration, perfect for private devotion...click here for more details.



Sorry but these cards are all sold
Some lovely French postcards from 1930s..both romantic AND saucy! For prices etc clic here...



You can find out lots more on these items - and more - by clicking on the ebay shop or etsy shop buttons on the top right hand side of my blog page.