Théodore Deck (1823-91) began his career working at a stove factory in Strasbourg. After a period of travelling, he settled in Paris in 1856 where he opened a workshop with his brother, Xavier. He experimented with new glazes and was celebrated for his technical innovations and art pottery designs, particularly the turquoise-blue glazes, 'Isnik' wares and the glazes inspired by Asian wares. In 1887, he was appointed Director of the Sèvres factory.
From the 1860's he collaborated with his many artist friends such as Anker, Ehrmann and Helleu, who frequented his workshop and painted the ceramic plaques which were shown in his shop at 10, Rue Halévy . Paul Helleu (1859-1927) was perhaps best known for his paintings of the elegant women of the 'Belle Époque' and adapted his technique to the different medium of painting on pottery. Cf. Anne-Marie Bergeret-Gourbin, La Faïence: Théodore Deck et Paul Helleu, Exhibition Catalogue 'Paul Helleu 1859-1927' Honfleur, Musée Eugène Boudin, 3 July to 4 October 1993, p. 27. See also Théodore Deck ou L'éclat des Émaux 1823-1891, Exhibition, Centre de la Veille Charité, Marseilles, 7 July to 11 September 1994, pps. 106 and 107, nos. 119 and 120 for examples of plaques painted by Helleu with portraits of ladies.

We are grateful to Mr. Bernard Bumpus for his assistance in the preparation of this catalogue entry