Limoges porcelain lamps

Limoges is famed for its fabulous beef cattle, its enamel work and its porcelain. The history of Limoges and porcelain goes back to 1766 when a very pure form of kaolin was found near Saint Yrieix-la-Perche, about 30 km away from Limoges. Following this discovery the region enjoyed a golden age of prosperity, but that is another story. (See White Plates of Limoges)

One of the most interesting aspects of Limoges porcelain, is the way that it enabled objects of beauty to be mass-produced and so brought them to the mass market for everyone to enjoy.

The lamps that I've found in Limoges porcelain are oil lamps, Berger lamps and modern electric lamps. I have also included Limoges Porcelain boxes in the shape of lamps. If you know of any others, do feel free to leave a comment in the box at the end of this article, I'd be delighted to add them to this article.

If you're thinking about a shopping holiday in Limoges, (if not why not?), then have a look at this article: Where to buy Limoges porcelain in Limousin, France. You'll find so many wonderful shops like the Maison de Porcelaine at Aixe-sur-Vienne, and La Vie en Rose at Saint Junien.

Limoges is a beautiful, but not well known, city situated in south west France. The surrounding countryside is second to none and Limoges has carefully avoided sprawling suburbs so that the centre of the city passes quickly into fields and woodland. Running through the centre of Limoges is the spectacular River Vienne bringing nature to the heart of the city and the river together with superb historic bridges make a very pretty picture indeed.

The city of Limoges has a long and colourful history that is reflected in the buildings of the city and today it's still famed for its porcelain, beef cattle, enamel work and stone building techniques.

When I bought our house in France, I inherited barn loads of "stuff", and amongst the turn-of-the-century school books, the farm implements and embroidered bed linen, I found this little lamp. I must admit that until now I've used it as an ornament only, but after carrying out a bit of research for this article, I'm raring to try it out.

Electricity is great, of course it is, but not always 100% reliable even in the most sophisticated parts of Europe. I'm old enough to remember the power cuts in England during the miner's strikes and up to this day I keep a stock of candles in the house for just such an emergency. But if it does come to that, how much better it would be to have a couple of oil lamps to hand?

If I never need to use them they won't be wasted as they look so charming I'll always be happy to give them shelf-life.

.... and if your loved one isn't artistic, book them a holiday in Limousin to enjoy shopping, the countryside, the food, the outdoor activities and the culture?