Figurart in Paris:
Discover our figurines in the oldest shop in Paris - Au Plat d'Étain
Figurart, the Compiègne art studio, is proud to present its creations in the heart of Paris thanks to a privileged partnership with Au Plat d'Étain, the oldest figurine shop in Paris since 1775¹. This unique collaboration allows Parisian enthusiasts and tourists from around the world to discover the excellence of French craftsmanship in a rare historical setting, just 50 meters from the Saint-Sulpice church.
Our presence in this historic boutique is part of a centuries-old tradition of French figurine art, alongside the greatest brands such as CBG Mignot (founded in 1825)² and the most refined artisanal creations. This Parisian showcase offers Figurart a unique opportunity to shine in the French capital while preserving the authenticity of our artisanal know-how.
Figurart and Au Plat d'Étain: A Partnership of Excellence in Paris
The History of the Au Plat d'Étain Shop
Au Plat d'Étain, founded in 1775, holds the prestigious title of the oldest figurine shop in Paris ¹. This Parisian institution, located at 16 rue Guisarde in the 6th arrondissement, has spanned more than two centuries of French history, from the reign of Louis XVI to the present day. This exceptional longevity makes it a retailer of choice for Figurart, which shares the same values of artisanal excellence and respect for French traditions.
The store has a rich history, closely linked to the great names in French figurines. Remarkably, the "Plat d'Étain" was historically the store of the Lucotte house (founded in 1785), bought in 1928 by CBG Mignot, and was then considered " the temple of the tin soldier "². This historical affiliation reinforces the legitimacy of our presence in this emblematic place.
Figurart: The Art of French Miniatures
Figurart represents contemporary excellence in the art of traditional figurine making. Founded in Compiègne by Helen Bourch, our workshop perpetuates traditional techniques while adding a contemporary artistic dimension. Each Figurart figurine is the result of a meticulous creative process: in-depth historical research, sculpting by the master model, precise casting in our workshops, and painting entirely by hand by our specialized artists.
Our philosophy is based on three fundamental pillars:
• Historical authenticity : Each creation is the subject of exhaustive documentation
• Artisanal excellence : Traditional techniques preserved and passed on
• Creative innovation : Contemporary approach respectful of traditions
Our presence in the oldest figurine shop in Paris
A network of excellence with CBG Mignot
Our presence in the windows of the Au Plat d'Étain boutique places us at the heart of an exceptional Parisian ecosystem. The boutique is an official distributor of CBG Mignot, the oldest lead figurine company in the world, founded in 1825. This close relationship with the oldest French brand positions Figurart at the center of the offering available to Parisian collectors, providing them with an unparalleled selection.
CBG Mignot, with its nearly 200 years of history and over 12,000 figures in its collection², represents the French industrial tradition of figurine making. Figurart, with its artisanal and creative approach, brings a complementary dimension, offering Parisian collectors a full range of artistic expression.
Saint-Sulpice, Heart of Cultural Paris
Au Plat d'Étain offers you a prime location in Paris. Situated 50 meters from the Saint-Sulpice church, in the 6th arrondissement, the shop benefits from an exceptional location in the heart of historic and cultural Paris. This proximity to one of the most visited monuments in Paris is a major advantage.
The Saint-Sulpice district, with its bookstores, art galleries, and antique shops, provides the ideal setting for showcasing the art of French figurines. Visitors can discover our creations in an authentically Parisian context, while enjoying the cultural and artistic experience of the neighborhood.
Figurart Collections Available in Paris
Historical and Military Figurines
Our collections of historical figurines find a perfect home in the Parisian boutique Au Plat d'Étain. From the Ancien Régime to contemporary conflicts, each era is represented with the historical accuracy that characterizes our work. Our handcrafted lead soldiers are displayed alongside creations by CBG Mignot, offering Parisian collectors a comprehensive overview of French military art.
Our Napoleonic creations, particularly prized by Parisian collectors, benefit from the historical expertise of Au Plat d'Étain. The shop, which has witnessed the Napoleonic era firsthand, lends a unique historical legitimacy to our miniature reconstructions of the Grande Armée.
Civilian and Thematic Figurines
Beyond military figurines, Figurart offers a wide range of civilian figurines and themed collections in Paris. Our "Alice in Wonderland" creations, our figurines from the "Paris" collection, and our historical figures find a special place at the Au Plat d'Étain figurine shop for a discerning and passionate clientele.
This thematic diversity, presented in the historical setting of Au Plat d'Étain, allows Figurart to present its lead figurines to traditional collectors, art lovers, cultural tourists, and Parisian families in search of authenticity.
Excellence Services: Shared Expertise
Consulting and Expertise
Our partnership with Au Plat d'Étain combines the boutique's centuries-old expertise with Figurart's contemporary creativity. Don't hesitate to ask Patricia, owner of Au Plat d'Étain, for guidance; she will help Parisian collectors make informed choices, whether it's their first purchase or adding to an existing collection.
This personalized approach, made possible by the human size of the boutique and our commitment to craftsmanship, creates a lasting relationship of trust with our Parisian clientele.
Catering and Technical Services
Au Plat d'Étain's technical expertise, developed over 250 years of experience, perfectly complements our Figurart services. The shop offers figurine restoration, collection appraisal, and display services, using traditional techniques that we also perpetuate in our workshops in Compiègne.
This technical synergy offers Parisian collectors a complete and professional service, from the acquisition to the maintenance of their most precious pieces.
The Figurart Experience in Paris
An Immersion in French Art
Discovering Figurart at Au Plat d'Étain is to experience a unique cultural journey in the heart of Paris. The intimate atmosphere of this historic boutique, steeped in 250 years of history, showcases our contemporary creations while respecting their artistic dimension.
This immersion in the French art of figurine making allows visitors to understand the continuity between tradition and innovation that characterizes our approach. Each Figurart piece on display tells a story, each collection reveals a facet of our passion for miniature art.
Accessibility and Discovery
Our presence at Au Plat d'Étain makes Figurart's art accessible to Parisians and tourists alike. The prime location near Saint-Sulpice, easily accessible by public transport (Saint-Sulpice metro station, line 4), allows everyone to discover our creations without any constraints.
Our opening hours (Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30am-7pm) are adapted to Parisian and tourist rhythms, offering a flexibility appreciated by our diverse clientele.
Figurart and the Parisian Cultural Ecosystem
International Reach
Paris, the world capital of art and culture, offers Figurart an exceptional international showcase. Our presence at the Plat d'Étain toy soldier shop allows us to reach a cosmopolitan clientele: European collectors, American enthusiasts, and Asian aficionados discover the excellence of French art figurines.
This international exhibition enhances Figurart's reputation and contributes to the global reach of French craftsmanship. Every foreign visitor becomes a potential ambassador for our expertise.
Contribution to French Craft Heritage
By choosing Au Plat d'Étain as its Parisian partner, Figurart is committed to preserving and promoting French artisanal heritage. Our collaboration helps keep a centuries-old tradition alive while enriching it with a contemporary creative dimension.
This heritage approach resonates particularly in the Parisian context, where authenticity and artisanal excellence are recognized and appreciated values.
Practical Information: Discover Figurart in Paris
Location and Access
Au Plat d'Étain - Figurart Partner, 16 rue Guisarde, 75006 Paris, 50 meters from the Saint-Sulpice church
Access :
•Metro: Saint-Sulpice (line 4)
•Bus: 63, 70, 86, 96
•Nearby: Luxembourg Gardens (300m), Pantheon (800m)
Opening Hours and Contact
Hours of operation :
•Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30am - 7pm
•Closed Sunday and Monday
Contact :
•Website of the shop with the tin plate
• Au Plat d'Étain Shop: 01 43 54 32 06
Figurart, French Excellence in Paris
Our partnership with Au Plat d'Étain represents much more than a simple business collaboration: it's an alliance between Figurart's creative innovation and the centuries-old tradition of Paris's oldest figurine shop. This unique synergy offers Parisian enthusiasts and visitors from around the world an exceptional experience in the heart of the French capital.
By choosing to showcase our creations in this historically significant location, Figurart affirms its commitment to the values of excellence, authenticity, and transmission that underpin French craftsmanship. Our presence in Paris, alongside leading brands like CBG Mignot, testifies to the recognition of our expertise and our contribution to the contemporary art of figurine making.
Discovering Figurart at Au Plat d'Étain means participating in the perpetuation of an exceptional French tradition, supporting French craftsmanship, and experiencing a unique cultural experience in the heart of historic Paris.
Sources
¹ Official website of Au Plat d'Étain: https://www.soldats-plomb-au-plat-etain.fr/
² Official CBG Mignot website - History: https://www.cbgmignot.com/nos-ateliers/historique
³ CBG Mignot - Distributors: https://www.cbgmignot.com/distributeurs
⁴ Paris Tourist Office: https://parisjetaime.com/shopping/au-plat-d-etain-p2605