In the Loire Valley in 1821, Gien Faïencerie was established by Englishman Thomas Hall, who, after investing in other faïenceries, decided to expand English pottery in France. In the heart of the country lies the town of Gien, whose resources were promising to the company. The nearby Loire River’s sand and water were used to create a clay paste, and the Sologne forest’s wood was used for the kilns. The royal river was also essential for the transportation of goods.
