I really really like NEW Quimper. There I said it. It may make me unpopular in the Q Club world. Most members have magnificent collections that focus on old, antique, and other French faience. But truly I love seeing the new stuff just as much as the old.
I also must confess that even thought I am a co-founder of this wonderful club I would say I have a very simple and small collection. Could be because I am very cautious when it comes to buying ANYTHING or it could be because I never had the means to spend big bucks.
You will see a little glimpse of my collection here but since we are in the process of moving much of it has been packed away. Also, I live with two small children and we have already had one Quimper related accident which I will post about later.
So for now, I would like to share with you some Quimper that has been seen in one of my favorite magazines, House Beautiful.. A great article titled 101 Plates" - a plate for everyone. Quimper is featured in the Fleuri Royal pattern, available at Pierre Deux. To me this pattern, shouts SPRING and also how cute would some of these plates be hanging in a little girl's room! Another thing I like about this pattern is its not typically Quimper meaning there are no peasants depicted, so its a great pattern in that it could appeal to both Quimper and Non Quimper collectors.
For a while Pierre Deux stopped carrying Quimper and started carrying another brand that to me screamed, FAKE! Now it really wasn't fake it just wasn't to my liking, the colors were muted and the peasants just didn't "speak " to me.
But back to House Beautiful, they also did an article called, A Collector's Fantasy in Nantucket. The homeowners have lovely blue cabinets to display their collections. The Soleil pattern featured was described as contemporary. Readers what do you think, contemporary to you? Anyway, I do have a couple of pieces of this pattern. My first purchase of the Soleil pattern I believe was at the Long Beach Flea Market in Southern California. There was a large scalloped bowl with a hairline fracture and I am thinking I paid around $100 for it. Lucy Williams (the other co-founder) and I used to love this market and she taught me to always ask for the "best price".
Another reference to Quimper in House Beautiful was back in 2007 in an article The Best! For the Kitchen: "English and French pottery, a German silver sink...you don't have to leave home to bring European countryside into your kitchen." This article also pictured the Soleil pattern.
I love feedback, stories, pictures, etc. And since I have not been involved in the club for quite a few years it would give me the chance to meet the new members and get reacquainted with the old. So tell me collectors, do you like the Soleil pattern? Do you prefer a mix of old and/or new?
Wishing you happy collecting! Katie
