Collection: Quimper Pottery

Quimper ware refers to faience pottery associated with Quimper, a town in Brittany. Faience is an earthenware pottery with a white glaze that gives that soft, creamy ground colour Quimper is known for. Classic Quimper designs often include Breton men and women, florals, scrolling borders, and regional patterns.

The palette tends to be fresh, painterly, and grounded by that creamy faience base. It pairs beautifully with white walls, warm woods, stone worktops, and open shelving. Many Quimper pieces have a central motif with a decorated rim, which makes them easy to layer with plainer ceramics. Finally, the balance of function and display means Quimper looks just as good on a shelf as it does on a table.

You will often see references to makers such as Henriot Quimper and HB Quimper. Some pieces also have shop marks or export marks. With faience, it is normal to see slight signs of age. Light surface wear, small glaze marks, and gentle patina often come with the territory.

Quimper looks brilliant on open shelves, especially when you mix shapes and heights. Try a few pieces grouped with plain white ironstone or cream ceramics. Keep the background simple and let the painted motifs do the work.

At The Blue Loft, I look for Quimper pieces that have strong colour, clear charm, and real styling potential. I love the pieces that feel like they belong on a shelf next to your favourite cookbooks, or on a table laid for friends, rather than locked away for best.

My simple rule for shopping: buy the pieces you want to reach for and if it makes you smile when you open the cupboard, it belongs in your home.