Construction 1913–1914 (≈ 1914)
Current exhibition location.
1994
Save the Experton Fund
Save the Experton Fund 1994 (≈ 1994)
Acquisition by the municipality of Retournac.
1996
Control by the Museums of France
Control by the Museums of France 1996 (≈ 1996)
Official recognition of the fund.
1998
Enrichment of collections
Enrichment of collections 1998 (≈ 1998)
Purchase of Claire Experton.
juillet 2007
Opening of the museum
Opening of the museum juillet 2007 (≈ 2007)
Open to the public.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Auguste Experton - Industrial toothpaste
Founder of the saved factory.
Claire Experton - Manufacture manager
Last acquired (1998).
Origin and history
In 1994, the town of Retournac acquired the company "Auguste Experton et Fils" and its content (over 400,000 objects), saving a unique dentellier heritage. After an in-depth study of 18 months, the fund was placed under the control of the French Museums Directorate in 1996. In 1998, thanks to the Regional Acquisition Fund for Museums, the collections were enriched with the purchase of the "Claire Experton et Cie" factory, which was closed in 1997, consolidating the representation of local know-how.
The museum officially opened in July 2007, offering six permanent sections and a temporary exhibition room. Among the topics covered are the European history of laces (since the 16th century), the daily life of lacemakers in the 20th century, mechanical and manual manufacturing techniques, and artistic inspirations of designers. The Grand Atelier reconstructs a production environment, while a section highlights the iconic pieces made in Haute-Loire between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries.
The main building, built between 1913 and 1914, now houses exhibition spaces, while the former site of "Auguste Experton et Fils" serves as a reserve for collections. These include more than 5,000 toothlet drawings (1880–1920) and an almost complete typology of machines used in the Haute-Loire since 1902. The fonds also have 70,000 models of lace with spindles (1850–1970), covering various styles such as towel, Cluny or Art Deco.
Labelled Museum of France, the establishment is distinguished by its historical, technical and ethnographic approach, illustrating the evolution of a craft that has become local industry. Its official address, 14 avenue de la Gare, and its INSEE code (43162) anchor in the territory of Puy-en-Velay, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
