The Clairefontaine earthenware factory was founded in 1804 by Jean-François Etienne in the buildings of an ancient monastery located in a valley in the north of the Haute-Saône department. It was taken over in 1833 by Jean-Baptiste Rigal then the four Rigal children who joined forces to Jules Sanejouand. Over the years, the earthenware works with great artists (plates, dishes, sauce boats, tea cups, etc.). It notably supplies white earthenware for Charles and Emile Gallé between 1876 and 1879 and this collaboration allows Jules Sanejouand managed the company alone then his association with Léon Graves in 1889, gives birth to the company “Sanejouand-Graves”. The earthenware factory closes Its history still remains alive because it remains a remarkable example of the importance of artisanal.
