The jobs
The moulds
A native of the region, Patrick joined Revol because here mother was a worker there
It is in this workshop that the designs for objects and tools – provided by Revol’s product designer, or by external designers – come into being in the form of moulds that allow them to be reproduced over and over again. While the industry has moved towards the use of computer-generated moulds, plaster remains the most common material, and hand production is indispensable in allowing the more elaborately designed pieces to be created by machine.
Trained more than 20 years ago by a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Master Craftsman of France) as demanding as he is passionate, the head of workshop is incredibly dexterous.
The casting
Céline, who is in charge of checking all pieces before firing, has a demanding and difficult job
The kiln – the factory’s most important piece of equipment – emits an incredible level of heat that dictates the speed of production. Close-by, the workshop of traditional (manual) casting is where the most complicated pieces take form. These include lion-headed soup bowls, which, after drying in the open air, are exposed to very high temperatures.
Céline, the head of the workshop, fills moulds with barbotine or porcelain paste expertly produced on site, before turning over the content to get rid of the excess.
The enamelling
SANDRINE, WHO HAVING WORKED AT REVOL FOR 27 YEARS, TAKES CARE OF SMALL RUNS OR DELICATE PIECES REQUIRING HAND-PRECISION
You will recognise them by their chameleonlike forearms, which change colour according to the collection they are working on. The six enamellers hand-apply white, black or coloured enamel to the paste.Among them is Sandrine has witnessed the transformation of the factory over the years. Machines have slowly taken over the space, transforming trades yet never entirely replacing human workers.
