Robert Picault

Robert Picault is a French ceramist, designer, photographer and filmmaker.

He was one of the pioneers and figures behind the revival of Vallauris ceramics from 1945 onwards. His photographic and cinematographic work, which grew out of his friendly collaboration with Pablo Picasso, is the subject of exhibitions and publications in France and abroad.
Robert Picault is one of those French ceramists who have left their mark on the history of ceramics, alongside Roger Capron, Jean Derval and Suzanne Ramié. He contributed to the revival of culinary ceramics by updating traditional local forms decorated with geometric lines and designs. He has developed a refined, emblematic style of unique, utilitarian pieces, fired in a wood-fired kiln, turned and decorated by his own hand: pieces decorated with white slip or sgraffito on an alquifoux background, reinterpreted with the addition of red iron oxide and copper, giving rise to the green and brown patterns characteristic of his production; undecorated pieces with black metallic enamel, which he was the first to produce using a mixture of copper oxide and manganese; deep blues, geometric motifs, birds, fish, portraits and female nudes in broad, sweeping strokes. During this period of craft experimentation, his personal work became the crucible for future Poterie Picault productions. While the shapes can be mass-produced, the variations in motif and execution make each piece unique.