The «Bleu de Saint-Uze» is the current name of a type of sandstone that was produced from the late 19th century to the first half of the 20th century, by a dozen companies in the north of the Drôme, including Revol, Delaunay and Michon in Saint-Uze.
This production, characteristic of the period of industrialization of rural France, is known for the wide variety of its models and its blue floral decorations made with stamps.
The ranges include all kitchen accessories: from soups to dishes, including pots, patisseries, coffee or teapots. They also offer items for the table: butter dishes, creamers, sugar bowls, water pots, ornamental pieces, such as many vases, petroleum lamps, pyrogens, etc. Enough to invest all the rooms of the house!
Les «Bleus» are a huge success. These sandstones, based on kaolin, are of perfect health, without metallic substance in their enamel, and very resistant to mechanical and thermal shocks. The vitrification of the parts, and their ability to pass over the fire, make them both hygienic and practical.
Series production and the stamp decoration process, developed in the 1870s, allow factories to offer cheap parts. Many households offer elegant and functional culinary dishes.
The Maison de la Céramique exhibits more than 300 remarkable objects. A slideshow presents the work in the factories of Saint-Uze in the early 20th century.