Creil: French Transfer-Printed Faience and Creamware
Creil refers to pottery produced at the Creil factory in the Oise department of northern France, operating from 1797 to 1895. The factory, later merged with the nearby Montereau works (forming Creil et Montereau), became famous for its fine faience and creamware decorated with black or polychrome transfer prints. Creil is particularly prized for its topographical views, literary illustrations, and humorous genre scenes that capture everyday French life.
History and Development
- 1797: Factory established at Creil by Englishman Robert Bray O'Reilly
- 1819: Partnership with Charles de Saint-Cricq-Casaux; production expanded
- 1840: Merger with Montereau factory; marks change to "Creil et Montereau"
- 1840s-1870s: Peak production period with extensive transfer-printed series
- 1884: Barluet et Cie takes control
- 1895: Factory closes permanently
Identification and Marks
- Early marks: "CREIL" impressed in the body
- Post-merger marks: "CREIL ET MONTEREAU" or "C et M" with various stamps
- Later marks include "L.M. & Cie" (Lebeuf, Milliet & Cie) or "B & Cie" (Barluet)
- Transfer prints are typically in black, sepia, or mulberry on a cream or white ground
- The body is a refined faience or terre de pipe (pipe clay) with a smooth, even glaze
Types and Decorative Series
- Topographical views: French cities, monuments, and landscapes; highly collectible
- Literary and theatrical scenes: Illustrations from Moliere, La Fontaine, and popular novels
- Genre scenes: Humorous depictions of daily life, trades, and social commentary
- Military subjects: Napoleonic campaigns, battle scenes, and military figures
- Rebus plates: Puzzles using pictures and letters to spell out phrases
- Alphabet and educational plates: Children's series with moral or instructional themes
Auction Price Ranges
| Item Type | Typical Range | Premium Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Single transfer-printed plate | $40 - $150 | Rare series or subjects: $200 - $500 |
| Rebus plate | $80 - $250 | Complete set: $1,500+ |
| Topographical view plate | $60 - $200 | American or British views: $300 - $800 |
| Serving piece (tureen, platter) | $150 - $500 | Large or elaborate: $600 - $1,200 |
| Partial dinner service | $300 - $1,000 | Extensive service: $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Polychrome-decorated piece | $100 - $350 | Figural subjects: $400 - $800 |
Condition Factors
- Transfer prints should be crisp and complete; faded or worn prints reduce value by 30-50%
- Crazing in the glaze is common and generally tolerated on earlier pieces
- Chips on plate rims are frequent; small edge chips are accepted, larger damage is not
- Staining in the craze lines (often brown or gray) is typical but heavy discoloration diminishes appeal
- Cracks through the body significantly reduce value regardless of other merits
Collecting Tips
- Complete or matching sets of transfer-printed plates from the same decorative series are far more valuable than individual plates
- Rebus plates have strong crossover appeal with puzzle and game collectors
- American-subject views on Creil pieces are rare and command significant premiums
- The factory's output overlaps in style with English Staffordshire transfer wares, but Creil pieces have a distinctly French sensibility in subject matter
- Post-merger "Creil et Montereau" pieces are generally more available and affordable than early "Creil" marked examples
- Condition standards are less strict for pre-1830 pieces than for later production