AlmavivA de Belgique
A small Paris workshop making handmade ceramic tiles and faience with traditional historical techniques and original 18th-century moulds.
AlmavivA de Belgique is a small artisanal workshop in the heart of Paris devoted to handmade ceramic tiles and faience. Every piece is crafted by hand using methods that have been employed for centuries, with an emphasis on historical authenticity and longevity. The workshop works closely with architects, decorators and private clients on both restoration projects and new installations.
Its tiles recreate traditional designs drawn from different eras and cultures, among them Portuguese azulejos, Dutch Delft tiles and Renaissance and Islamic patterns. They are used in settings ranging from kitchens, bathrooms and fireplace surrounds to swimming pools and hammams. Alongside the tiles, the workshop produces faience objects, including apothecary pots and personalised tableware, made with original 18th-century moulds.
Underpinning the production is an archive of thousands of photographs and patterns documenting historical tiles across periods, which allows designs to be reproduced faithfully. The workshop's stated aim is to preserve and recreate traditional ceramic techniques, combining glazing and tile-making skills with decorative arts practice.