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The little village of Salernes in the Var was for a long time the capital of la tomette, Provence’s traditional terracotta floor tile. Today, about 15 ceramists are still in activity there; among them Alain Vagh, a creative with an offbeat talent and a waggish sense of humor.

By Jean-Dominique Dalloz - July 29, 2011

Well known since the beginning of the 19th century for the hexagonal red tile, the famous “tomette”, Salernes potters knew how to take advantage of the exceptional deposits of ferruginous red clay that they mined all around the village. Among them was Alain Vagh, a tireless artist who moved to the region in 1968. Originally from Hungary, and born into a line of painters, he likes nothing better than to be called the “crazy potter.”

A sports car or a refrigerator entirely covered with ceramic, but also a bathroom tiled from the bathtub to the ceiling, Alain is an enthusiast of accumulation. Inspired by Gaudi and Miro, he also recognizes Arman’s influence. Willingly unconventional, he has no equal for pairing objects from daily life with his little multicolored tiles. In his ceramic factory’s showroom, you discover the full range of his creations and the quality of their fabrication.

their fabrication. Because, beyond his fanciful character, Alain Vagh is an artisan who has mastered the techniques of terracotta and enameling - knowledge acquired through process and the search for shape and color.

Alain Vagh also created the “little paving stone,” a versatile tile that can be installed just as easily inside as outside, on a floor or on a wall. These enamel tiles, of more classic dimensions, allow one to create beautiful harlequin patterns, perfect for a walk-in shower, for example. It is a

labor of love; each tile is encased, dried in the sun, then slowly wood fired in the kiln. Lastly, Alain works with lava stone that he gets delivered from France’s ancient volcanic region, the Massif Central. Enameling it over a large surface, he creates superb kitchen countertops and basin.

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Alain Vagh Céramic

Route d’Entrecasteau 83690 Salernes
Tél.0494706185
www.alainvagh.fr