Charles Christofle & Cie.

Place: Paris

Born: 1830

Death: 1956

Biography:

Charles Christofle & Cie. is a French luxury silverware and tableware company founded in Paris in 1830 by Charles Christofle. The company is known for having introduced electrolytic gilding and silver plating in France in 1842. This innovative technique gave birth to silver plating in France, making the company a pioneer in the industry.

History of Charles Christofle & Cie.

The company was founded by Charles Christofle, who was born into a family of Parisian industrialists specializing in precious metal work. At the age of 15, he began an apprenticeship with his brother-in-law Hugues Calmette, a manufacturer of "provincial jewelry." In 1830, he took over the family business and in 1832 registered his master's mark at the Paris Guarantee Office to manufacture gold jewelry. Twelve years later, in 1842, Charles Christofle bought the patents for gilding and silvering by electrolysis from the Frenchman Henri de Ruolz and the Englishman Elkington. This technique allowed the company to create high-quality silverware and tableware, which became famous after Emperor Napoleon III ordered a 4,000-piece service in 1851. The company's success can be attributed to its ability to combine traditional techniques with innovative methods. Charles Christofle & Cie. supplied King Louis-Philippe, who ordered a dinner service for the Château d'Eu in 1846. The company became famous after Emperor Napoleon III ordered a 4,000-piece service, including the surtouts, in 1851.

Artistic Collaborations

has collaborated with several artists and designers over the years, including Mathurin Moreau, Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, and Émile-Auguste Reiber. These collaborations have resulted in the creation of stunning pieces of art, such as the La plage d'Ambleteuse by Carolus-Duran, which can be found on https://Wikioo.org/Art.nsf/O/AQZBNS.

• Christofle & Cie. has been a symbol of French luxury and craftsmanship for over 180 years.
• The company's collections cover not only tableware and decoration but also objets d'art, decorative statuary, prizes for races or agricultural competitions, and monumental decor for gilding.
• Christofle & Cie. has acquired several renowned silversmiths, including Maison Cardeilhac.

techniques used by the company include shaping, hammering, turning, embossing, chasing, and engraving for finishing. The materials used are gold and silver in surface treatment, or in alloys for solid silverware and jewelry.

Legacy of Charles Christofle & Cie.

The legacy of Charles Christofle & Cie. can be seen in the numerous museums and collections that showcase their work. The Musée de l'Évèché in Limoges, France, is one such example, which houses a collection of art and artifacts that reflect the city's rich cultural heritage. You can learn more about the Musée de l'Évèché on https://Wikioo.org/@@/A@D3CEW9. The company's history and techniques can be found on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christofle, where you can learn more about the Christofle family and their contributions to the world of luxury silverware and tableware.