Picault’s studio was in the town of Vallauris on the Côte d’Azur and the French ceramist was a close friend and next door neighbour of Pablo Picasso, who was based in Vallauris from 1948-53.
Bois d’Arcy-based Chapeau collects ceramics from La Borne, an art pottery collective in a hamlet near Bourges, which has been a centre of pottery makers since the 15th century. He particularly admires the work of La Borne’s post-war ceramists Elisabeth Joulia and Jean and Jacqueline Lerat, saying “ these pieces may seem austere but they turn out to be creations of great strength and have a very beautiful presence in my house”.
French 20th century ceramics are Philippe Chapeau’s speciality and this piscatorial platter by Robert Picault (1919- 2000) was for sale at Chatou priced at €1400.