The Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres pursues a mission to showcase its heritage and uphold its 250-year tradition of craftsmanship while embracing contemporary design. To this end, its buildings have been renovated and opened to the public, with a lively programme of exhibitions, publications, fairs and co-editions.
Louis XV's tradition of guest artists has been greatly extended since 2003. Over eighty painters, sculptors, ceramicists, designers, architects, photographers, as well as a musician and choreographer, have established a creative dialogue: artist Bertrand Lavier designed the world's first full-sized porcelain sofa, mobilising a team of artisans for eighteen months. A vase by Arman, a one-off piece by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, and modular biscuit forms by architect Christian Biecher, tested the Manufacture's technical prowess.
In 2010, France's national museum of ceramics will move to Sèvres, creating a comprehensive, cohesive and accessible institution comprising their combined archives and collections and an international ceramics resource centre.
Since 2008, the Fondation d’entreprise Hermès has supported the Manufacture's cultural programme, reflecting its shared ambition to promote innovation and creativity, and the transmission of traditional expertise and skills.
