Gabriel Formaintraux

Was a French ceramacist, born in Desvres in Northern France in 1886. His family had a long history in ceramics and he began work in the family factory in 1905 and finally took over running it in 1930.

The factory produced a varied range of items ranging from tiles, to lamps and utility items and trophies. He went on to collaborate with Fernand Leger, a painter and potter who worked in the South of France in Biot. Formaintraux was influenced by Leger to work in brilliant primary colours such as white, yellows or reds on a black or white background. He was also inspired to produce his items in very original shapes. His work was mainly made using moulds, potting items are rare from him. The business was successful throughout the 20th Century and was finally closed in 1997.

The Formaintreaux works is now the Museum of the Belle Epoque of Desvres Earthenware