The history of enamel: from Antiquity to the present day

You've probably come across enamelled objects without realizing it. Today, we'd like to tell you a little more about the history of this beautiful material used in our products.

 

The origins of enamel

Enamel is an ancient material whose first appearance is difficult to identify. In ancient texts, a single word was used to describe any shiny material capable of melting on metal or ceramic. Amber, enamel and glass paste were all identified in the same way. This particular material was called " hashmal" in the Hebrew of the Old Testament, "elektron" in Greek by Homer or " electrum" for the Latins, designating an alloy of gold and silver highly prized during Antiquity.

It wasn't until the second half of the Middle Ages that the words " smaltum" and "emallum" were coined, providing an inclusive definition of enamel. These words, derived from the Gothic "smaltjan", mean "to melt".

 

In 1000 B.C., the first traditional enameling techniques appeared in the East. In the 11th century, Byzantium (an ancient Greek city) became the capital of enameling.

Enamel has long been used for aesthetic purposes to decorate objects made of gold, silver, copper or bronze.

 

The nineteenthe century, the apogee of enamel

 

Enamelling made its first appearance in Europe in the XVe century in Cologne and Limoges, where it was used to decorate objets d'art.

It wasn't until the early 19the century that this technique was used to manufacture everyday products such as kitchen utensils (saucepans, bowls, casseroles, etc.). Thanks to its strength and resistance to humidity, enamel is also used as a coating on small kitchen or bathroom furniture. The advantages of this material having been proven, it was only natural that the first enamelled sheet metal street signs should appear in 1847. Public services such as the gendarmerie, ministries and schools also adopted this material for their signage.

 

In 1895, the history of enamel plates took another turn, attracting brand names. Enamel was increasingly used for advertising plates: all brands of chocolates, aperitifs, drinks or cars had their own enamelled products. Old enamelled advertising plates such as Michelin, Citroën, Chocolat Meunier or Bouillon Kub are today highly sought-after by collectors!

With local demand growing, the 1920s marked the beginning of mass production and industrialization. More and more enamel factories sprang up, contributing to the economy by creating new jobs.

 

 

 

New brackets hurt enamel

 

After reaching its peak in the 1930s with the creation of numerous industrial enameling plants (Jean, Japy, Emaillerie Alsacienne...), the period of the thirty glorious years and the rise in living standards had a major impact on enameled plates. During this period, when production and economy were the main concerns, new manufacturing techniques were introduced. In the 1950s, plastic became the leading industrial material, thanks to its ease of use and low cost.

 

With the advent of new advertising media such as television, radio and the press in the 1960s, enamel plates lost their appeal. Communication had to be fast, massive and varied. The introduction of taxes on outdoor advertising in the same year reinforced the decline of enamelled signage.

 

Enamelled plaque in contemporary decor

Today, enamelled plates are generally associated with vintage collectors' items . At Plomeïs, we want to give this material a new lease of life, preserving its authenticity while adding a touch of modernity.

 

 

Discover the expertise of the enameling craftsmen who make our enamel plates.