The Royal Manufactury of Sèvres was founded in 1740 by Louis XV and, even today, the name is synonymous with excellence and grandeur. The aim right from the beginning was to produce porcelains that would surpass Meissen and Dresden.

Despite royal patronage, Sèvres was often in financial difficulties, and both Louis XV and his heir and grandson, Louis XVI, found it necessary to invest heavily in the company to ensure its continuance. Louis XV even held an annual show at Versailles on New Year’s Day for the French nobility, encouraging the purchase of these fine works. He also mandated laws that restricted other porcelain production in France, allowing Sèvres a near monopoly of the market.

The Revolution caused a severe downturn in the company’s fortunes, but a new director, Alexandre Bronigniart, was named in 1804. During Napoleon’s reign Bronigniart revived Sèvres, not only supplying wares for the Emperor but also beginning a market of pieces for the middle classes. Like many potteries, Sèvres has employed fine artists over the years to make one-of-a-kind pieces, including Auguste Rodin, Hector Guimard, Albert Carrier-Belleuse, Pierre Soulages, and Louise Bourgeois.