Authorization of the brick factory 1829 (≈ 1829)
Foundation by the Virebent brothers
vers 1858
Introduction of ceramic sandstone
Introduction of ceramic sandstone vers 1858 (≈ 1858)
Modernization by Gaston Virebent
1925
Gaston Virebent's death
Gaston Virebent's death 1925 (≈ 1925)
End of management
1965
Stopping artisanal production
Stopping artisanal production 1965 (≈ 1965)
Final closure
21 décembre 1984
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 21 décembre 1984 (≈ 1984)
Protection of remains and villa
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Remains of the brick factory; Italian villa and building comprising stables, foreman's house and taxi house; garden with its factories and sculptures (cad. C 72-82, 116-119): Order of 21 December 1984
Key figures
Frères Virebent - Founders
Creators of the brick factory in 1829
Gaston Virebent - Leader and innovator
Introduisit sandstone ceramic (1858), directed until 1925
Auguste Virebent - Associate architect
Linked to site design
Origin and history
The brickwork of the Miremont estate, founded in the second quarter of the 19th century in Launaguet, was authorized in 1829 by the Virebent brothers. Its success was based on an innovative mechanical process and a technique of terracotta decorative appliques, including moulds for large objects. The factory became a key actor in Toulouse's architectural ornamentation, with productions like the famous frieze of Darius' archers adorning its stables.
Around 1858, Gaston Virebent introduced the manufacture of ceramic stoneware and enamelled terracotta, modernizing the activity. He directed the site until his death in 1925, followed by one of his sons who maintained artisanal production until 1965. The remains retain emblematic elements: a square chimney from the 1870s, a circular 19th-century earth oven, enamel ovens, and a mussel workshop with historical models.
The estate also includes a Italian villa and utility buildings ( stables, foreman's housing), decorated with ceramics produced on site. These achievements, such as the archery frieze or the park sculptures, illustrate the stylistic influence of brickwork on local architecture. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1984, the brick factory bears witness to the industrial and artistic innovation of the Virebent family, linked to architect Auguste Virebent.
The protected elements include industrial remains, the villa, stables, and the garden with its factories (architectural decorations). The exact location, near the road to Bessières (near L-Union), remains approximate, with cartographic accuracy considered to be satisfactory a priori (level 6/10).
