102 sq ft. of handmade French paves - late 19th century

Reclaimed from the garden patio of a house in Ecluses, Burgundy, France and dating from the late 19th century, 102 sq. ft of beautiful ceramic paves now professionally restored and arriving ready to relay. 

The paves were manufactured by Societe Anonyme de Grand Tuileries Perrusson & Desfontaines ECUISSES and for provenance we include in the photo gallery scans from the period Perrusson catalog originally presenting them. Additionally, in the gallery, are scans and photographs of the original Perrusson factory, still standing but now semi-derelict and also photographs of the magnificent late 19th century villa of the Perrusson family, which has recently been renovated by the French State to preserve its important cultural patrimony. A fine heritage tile producer from their creation in the mid-19th century, and through the Belle Epoque, their tiles design and quality won numerous national and international awards.

These quality handmade paves, created with a symmetrical lattice surface for the benefit of avoiding slipping under-foot, are perfect for use on a patio, in a greenhouse, a summer house or as an entrance path. 

The patina of these robust, heavy paves is beautiful; some display surface capillary cracks, formed when the tile was cooling after their 1,100F degree firing, there are edge nibbles and small chips evident on others, all groutable and all adding to their charm and uniqueness. Owing to their handmade production in small batches there is also variation amongst the bordeaux and cream tones.

274 cream paves, totalling 85 sq. ft.

57 bordeaux paves, totalling 17 sq. ft.

The paves are 6.7 inches square, 1.2 inches thick and weigh 5.5 lbs each and the photographs show a small, representative section of the floor.

Perrusson & Desfontaines - a brief history...

Jean-Marie Perrusson was not only known for ceramic tile production but also for the production of bricks and roof tiles. Many of the lozenge themed terracotta mechanical tiles in Burgundy bear the Perrusson hallmark. He built his first brick making factory in 1860 and started mechanical tile production in 1863, to which he added a workshop for manufacturing ceramic tiles in 1875. Further expansion of the ceramic tile production in the Saône-et-Loire was initiated (in Saint-Julien-sur-Dheune in 1866, St. Pantaleon 1870), and even beyond the department (in Sancoins Cher in 1870 and Fontafié in Charente in 1878).

The company was renamed ‘Perrusson fils et Desfontaines’ in 1890 and the factory also manufactured architectural ceramics and statues. In April 1960 the factory finally closed its doors. The vast majority of the original buildings constructed in 1890/1900 are destroyed with the offices, changing rooms of the factory, the concierge and the electrical workshop the only significant remnants of the site that can still be seen.

The Perrusson factory employed 40 workers in 1860, 80 by 1874, 130 in 1890, 300 at its peak in 1900, 280 in 1930 and 130 during 1945 to 1950.

Enquire Now