GILBERT VALENTIN (1928-2000) - THE ARCHANGELS VALLAURIS Baluster vase with long hemmed neck. Proof in crackled orange glazed ceramic. Signed G. VALENTIN - Les ARCHANGES Vallauris under the base. Height: 16cm GILBERT VALENTIN (1928-2000) - LES ARCHANGES VALLAURIS After initial experience as a wrought-iron worker, Gilbert Valentin began working with ceramics in 1946, training in Dieulefit, Vierzon and then at the Lunéville faience factory. Drawn to Vallauris, he set up his "Les Archanges" workshop there. His style asserts itself and spreads, notably through exhibitions in France and abroad. His ceramics are characterized by bold, often biomorphic volumes and brightly colored decorations on matte granite backgrounds. In 1962, the studio became multidisciplinary, integrating painting, sculpture, lithography and weaving. His work then evolved into "meta-sculptures" combining ceramics and iron, his preferred mediums.