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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The cream factory located at 169 rue de la Pompe, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, is an emblematic example of the specialized shops of the early 20th century. Installed by the Benoist and Sons workshop, it is distinguished by its frontage decorated with painted medallions depicting rural scenes: brooding chickens and cows in the fields. These artistic elements, typical of the art crafts of the time, were intended to evoke the natural origin of dairy products sold on the spot.

Inside, the decor extends with a painted ceiling and corners decorated with small pastoral scenes, strengthening the country atmosphere. The store also retains original furniture items, such as a marble case, testimony of its initial commercial use. The front and interior decoration were protected by an inscription at the Historic Monuments in 1984, recognizing their heritage value and their representativeness of the Parisian commercial architecture of the first quarter of the twentieth century.

The Benoist et Fils workshop, responsible for decorating, was specialized in the development of commercial spaces at this time. Their work for this creamery illustrates their mastery of painting and sculpture techniques applied to decorative art. Although the exact address may have varied slightly in the sources (169 or 171 rue de la Pompe), the building remains a rare testimony of Parisian artisanal signs, now missing or transformed.

Ranked with fair localization accuracy (note 5/10), this cream shop offers an overview of the commercial and artistic practices of the time. Its state of conservation and current accessibility are not specified, but its listing as Historic Monuments guarantees legal protection of its most remarkable elements.

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