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Key figures

Origin and history

The Museum of Ceramics and Ivory originated in three major legacies, originally exhibited at the Town Hall of Boncourt-sur-Meuse in 1948. These collections, made up of ivorys, lorrainous earthenware, European and Chinese porcelain, as well as weapons and paintings, reflect the passions of donors such as Dr Albert Guillaume Boyer. This doctor, an amateur of art, formed a collection of ivorys ranked second in national importance after that of Dieppe, unrelated to a local production. The pieces illustrate the art of imitation in the 18th century and the virtuosity of the 19th century masters-ivoiriers, with religious, utility or decorative objects.

The museum was established in 1997 in the former municipal bath-douch complex, an Art Deco building, after having occupied the former hotel of the Échevinage (18th century). The fonds come from the bequests Carcano, Boyer and Coverer, the latter having offered painted canvases in 1942. Lorrainous faiences, especially those of the Islettes (manufacture of the Wood of Epense, active until the 19th century), occupy a central place. The reserves, accessible during specific visits, also retain ancient weapons and Chinese ceramics, completing this artistic and historical panorama.

Labelled Museum of France, the establishment showcases an eclectic heritage, where works of ivory art, plates with Chinese decorations or bouquets, and everyday objects are reproduced. The Boyer collection, the heart of the museum, bears witness to an encyclopedic taste for decorative arts, while the architectural setting of the bath-douchs adds a heritage dimension to the visit. Visits to the reserves make it possible to discover pieces rarely exposed, such as arms or canvases of Coverer.

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