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Armenia,Yerevan,Saryan St., Building 16 |
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shop: +374-10-541400 |
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+374-10-540900 |
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Souvenirs. |
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BERNARDAUD (porcelain)
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http://www.bernardaud.fr |
| Hystory The story of French porcelain begins in 1768 when a woman from the village of Saint-Yrieix La Perche near Limoges discovers a soft, white clay that she uses to bleach her household linens. Experts would identify this substance as kaolin: the crucial, long sought after ingredient that is responsible for the resiliency, durability and flawless iridescent translucency of fine porcelain. The search for this “secret ingredient” had lasted four centuries since Marco Polo’s discovery of Chinese porcelain. The discovery of kaolin in France marked the birth of industrial and cultural significance of Limoges porcelain.Against this historical backdrop two enterprising industrialists, noticing an increase in consumer use of porcelain dinner services, open a factory in Limoges in 1863. The construction of railroad lines in the area offered means of distribution of their product to more markets. A workshop apprentice named Leonard Bernardaud distinguished himself among the workers. Twenty years later, he would be promoted to head of sales and later named partner. Leonard Bernardaud acquired the company in 1900 and gave it his name. He increased production capacity of the factory and opened up new markets, notably in the United States. Leonard was succeeded by his sons, Jacques and Michel Bernardaud. The brothers would assure the viability of the company during the turbulence of the Great Depression and World War II through collaborations with artists to expand the company's range of collections. In 1949, they boldly introduced the first gas-fueled tunnel kiln in France that operated 24 hours a day. This “green initiative” ensured constant firing temperatures that yielded sturdier pieces in greater quantity with fewer defects. As a result, industrial scale production was achieved without compromise to the high standards of craftsmanship based on artisan techniques for which the company is known. In 1962, Pierre Bernardaud assumed direction of the company and reorganized its business model. A production facility was opened in 1979 in Oradour-sur Glane for the manufacture of all white porcelain pieces and in 1986 the Ancienne Manufacturer Royale was acquired. During the 1980’s under his stewardship, modernization in the facility and processes were introduced (such as the isostatic press) that resulted in greater production output and enhanced product quality.Creativity continues to drive the strategic imperatives of the company. Pierre Bernardaud commissions designer Raymond Loewy to develop the first contemporary porcelain dinner service. The company launches the first television advertising campaign with a jingle that stills resonates in the collective consciousness of the French. Pierre Bernardaud was undeniably masterful and forward-thinking in the technical, artistic fields as well as marketing.In 1979, Pierre Bernardaud invited his son Michel to join the company and to help develop the brand globally. Michel Bernardaud became chairman in 1994 and represents the fifth generation of family leadership. He continues to modernize the production facilities while preserving the savoir faire of time-honored artisan techniques particularly in the execution of custom orders. Michel Bernardaud strives to increase the activity and public awareness his company---one of the few remaining manufacturers from Limoges that is still family owned and operated---by upholding the philosophy of his forefathers: preservation of technical expertise, the tradition of creativity and a passion for innovation. |
| LLADRO (figurines) |
http://www.lladro.com |
| Hystory In 1953 Juan, Jose and Vicente Lladro make their first creations inspired by an experimental vocation in a Moorish furnace built in their own home in Almassera (Valencia). In this way, they develop their artistic interest as they work in a tile and crockery factory. These carefully designed pieces already have a special charm that awakens public interest.By 1955 they begin making sculptures in which a clear influence of the trends of the XVIII century can be observed. These pieces evoke the works of former porcelain artists such as Meissen, Sevres and Capodimonte.In 1958 Juan, Jose and Vicente decide to dedicate themselves exclusively to their own works and transfer their small company to a warehouse in the neighboring town of Tavernes Blanques, because the family workshop has become too small for their business. Demand for Lladro creations grows unexpectedly. The brothers introduce innovations not only in the design and style of the figurines but also in the firing techniques, reducing the three-layer firing to a one-layer process. One-firing is an innovative method which creates the crystalline finish and the pastel tonalities typical of Lladro works.Lladro Valencian girl.A growing number of sculptors, chemists and decorators increase the production of the brothers’ work. They soon decide to incorporate a logo on all their figurines. Beside “Porcelanas Lladro”, they add a Greek master piece, the Victory of Samotracia, thus associating their surname to the ideal of classical art.By the end of this decade, Lladro opens a store in Valencia and two more within a few years’ time.The 1960’s are marked by a growing impetus for Lladro, as a result of two major facts. One of them is the progressive internationalization of their porcelain which begins when a group of Americans discover the brothers’ creations on a trip to Valencia looking for new products to import into their country. The first sculpture they see, a small shepherdess, already provided with the typical traits of the brand, captivates the visitors from the very first moment.In this period, the word "Spain" is incorporated to Lladro’s logo as a clear indicator of the company’s exporting vocation. In 1965, Lladro exports part of its production to Canada and begins to be introduced into the United States, where the brothers travel for the first time in 1969.In 1962, the other milestone in the spectacular growth experienced by the company is the opening of a Professional Training School with the aim of conveying the experience and essence of the Lladro brothers’ creative spirit.In 1967 work begins on building the City of Porcelain, an area which combines factory and office buildings with leisure and sport facilities for the workers. This innovative complex is opened on October 13, 1969.Almost at the same time, the Lladro brothers become pioneers in employing disabled workers, thus showing their concern for fostering social and labor integration.Sad Harlequin (1969) marks a considerable change in the brothers’ artistic evolution. The stylized lines and the romantic air of the figurine will long characterize Lladro style, appreciated throughout the world.The 1970’s are marked by Lladro’s consolidation in the American market. The logotype changes due to a desire to establish an association between science and art, the basis of creation in porcelain, as a result of the union between an ancient chemical symbol and the stylised version of a “campanillo”, a typical bell-shaped flower of the area where Lladro was born. The surname of the founders is printed under this image.In this decade, Lladro launches the new Gres line. It is a material which is conducive to making large sculptures and gives the pieces a special warmth, due to its earth-like tonality and its matte finish. Figurines made of this material are not painted; several layers of varnish are applied on them which, after firing, create different chromatic effects, thus enlarging the expressive possibilities.Also in the seventies, the vase line is born, an excellent means for Lladro painters to reflect their art in the recreation of bird and flower patterns inspired by the oriental culture. In 1974, the first sculptures of the Elite collection are created. This collection comprises more technically complex sculptures, generally large creations highly considered by the Lladro brothers.In the 1980’s the Lladro brothers open their company’s doors to the future and invite three of their children into the Board of Directors. Thus begins the transition of the artistic and human legacy of the company to its heirs. Rosa, Mamen and Juan Vicente Lladro undergo long apprenticeships before assuming responsibility in the company, including the tasks of the creativity committee.Also, during this decade Lladro grows overseas in several countries where their porcelain creations are very popular. In 1986, the company signs a joint-venture agreement with the Mitsui group, a figurine dealer in Japan and, as a consequence of this alliance, the subsidiary in this country is born, followed by China, Australia, United States and the United Kingdom. On September 18th of the same year, the Lladro Museum is opened in New York, located on prestigious 57th street in Manhattan, in a building that preserves the urban charm of the 1920s.In the creative arena, in 1982 one of the milestones of the brand is introduced: Flowers of the Season, a composition of hundreds of flowers that conveys grace and freshness with a great artistic value. Flowers have always had a very important meaning to Lladro, as their creation requires expert hands. A group of artists is exclusively dedicated to this activity, giving detailed and thorough attention to this typical Lladro element, petal by petal.LladroIn 1985, the Lladro Collectors Society is created, which for over fifteen years brings together more than one hundred thousand lovers of art in fine porcelain. Their first annual sculpture is Little Pals.In the 1980’s the Lladro brothers open their company’s doors to the future and invite three of their children into the Board of Directors. Thus begins the transition of the artistic and human legacy of the company to its heirs. Rosa, Mamen and Juan Vicente Lladro undergo long apprenticeships before assuming responsibility in the company, including the tasks of the creativity committee.Also, during this decade Lladro grows overseas in several countries where their porcelain creations are very popular. In 1986, the company signs a joint-venture agreement with the Mitsui group, a figurine dealer in Japan and, as a consequence of this alliance, the subsidiary in this country is born, followed by China, Australia, United States and the United Kingdom. On September 18th of the same year, the Lladro Museum is opened in New York, located on prestigious 57th street in Manhattan, in a building that preserves the urban charm of the 1920s.In the creative arena, in 1982 one of the milestones of the brand is introduced: Flowers of the Season, a composition of hundreds of flowers that conveys grace and freshness with a great artistic value. Flowers have always had a very important meaning to Lladro, as their creation requires expert hands. A group of artists is exclusively dedicated to this activity, giving detailed and thorough attention to this typical Lladro element, petal by petal.LladroIn 1985, the Lladro Collectors Society is created, which for over fifteen years brings together more than one hundred thousand lovers of art in fine porcelain. Their first annual sculpture is Little Pals. Lladro welcomes the new millennium with the collection “Inspiration Millennium”, a series of metaphorical sculpturest hat evoke the best of humanity and invite us to reflect on our place in the universe.In 2001, the Lladro Collectors Society gives way to Lladro Privilege, an innovative customer loyalty program which incorporates a new service concept based on a closer and more special treatment toward Lladro porcelain lovers.One of the most important facts in this period is, after fifty years at the head of the company, the three founding brothers turn over control to the second Lladro generation, which becomes part of the new Board of Directors in 2003.Lladro Idea, of the Aura collection(2003).The first half of this decade is marked by Lladro’s introduction of an innovative aesthetic line which coexists with its classics. Thus, collections like “Aura”, “Movement” and “Humanitas” are born. The brand also launches pieces that combine beauty with functionality, in which porcelain gives personal meaning to everyday life. This is the case of “The Emperor’s table” or one of its most recent launchings, Lladro Bath. This new line, created in cooperation with the company Supergrif, is Lladro’s first foray in the bath items sector.Likewise, Lladro announces the Re-Cyclos project in 2005, where important designers create new objects out of the brand’s classical pieces. In its first edition, the creative team CuldeSac creates original crowns and geodes out of Christmas ornaments while Bodo Sperlein creates items of jewelry and decoration in Lladro Re-Cyclos Magical. On another note, 2006 was also the year when the company brought the renowned designer Jaime Hayon on board, at the moment Artistic Advisor of the brand.a |
| MORELLATO (fashion jewelry and souvenirs) |
http://www.morellato.com |
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