Handcrafted Pewter figurines - French Tin soldiers
Discover our handcrafted collectible pewter figurines , true miniature works of art made in our Compiègne workshop using traditional techniques . Each FIGURART lead figurine is cast, sculpted and painted by hand by our specialized craftsmen, perpetuating a rare know-how of the makers of tin soldiers and historical figurines. Our collectible pewter figurines combine authenticity and modernity, offering collectors and history enthusiasts unique pieces with the quality of made in France . Labeled Artisan d'Art , we create exceptional collections that will delight the most demanding enthusiasts, from Napoleonic figurines to historical figures, including our exclusive custom-made creations.
The Figurart Collections: hand-painted alloy figurines
The art of miniature painting in Compiègne
or the art of transmuting lead into characters
Miniature art is a form of artistic expression that is both modern and traditional. It invites artists to miniaturize imaginary worlds, capture minute details, and resurrect historical figures. This practice has its roots in ancient history, where figurines were used to depict scenes from life, epic battles, and mythological tales. Today, it has become an exciting hobby for many amateurs and a demanding profession for professional artists, whether they specialize in toy soldiers or collectible figurines for comics.
Compiègne, the cradle of the French figurine tradition, offers our workshop a unique heritage environment. This historic city, rich in dioramas within its unique museum and its heritage, inspires our creations and nourishes our expertise in faithfully reproducing the great figures of French history.
Noble materials: tin and alloys
If we used to talk about lead soldiers, we should now call them tin soldiers. The white alloy has replaced the gray metal, guaranteeing greater longevity to these statuettes. While resin and plastic are increasingly present in the figurine industry, the Figurart workshop makes it a point of honor to use noble materials that are as respectful as possible of the environment. Tradition, conservation, preservation, and quality are the reflection of our artisanal manufacturing.
Artisanal foundry process
Once the adage of the alchemist, today that of a cutting-edge industry, the casting of alloys is at the heart of our craft. The mastery of melting points, the design of the prototype, the creation of the molds rhymes with the beautiful object that the child would dream of having as a toy! Here the metal is melted before being poured by chimneys irrigating the imprint of the figurine. Experience and know-how allow the finest details that will bring the figurines to life.
deburring - Finishing the figurines
Deburring is an important step where artistic craftsmanship surpasses that of industry. The design of the two-part molds reveals a junction line on the object that must be filed and scraped before painting. The welding points undergo the same fate, and curves and angles are precisely defined. If ancient tin soldiers were only toys, art figurines are objects of great precision requiring the greatest rigor.
Our collectible tin figurines perpetuate the great French tradition of the lead soldier while using the finest materials. This evolution of the white alloy guarantees exceptional durability for our collectible statuettes, offering collectors exceptional pieces that will last for generations. Our commitment to unique and high-quality products makes each figurine an authentic miniature work of art .
Our Exclusive pewter Figurine Collections
Discover our exceptional collections, which have made the FIGURART workshop famous. Each collection of figurines is the result of in-depth historical research and unique craftsmanship:
• "The Queen" Collection : A tribute to the British monarchy with remarkably accurate historical figurines
• Wonders Collection - Alice in Wonderland : Fairy-tale characters from the famous tale, sculpted with meticulous attention to detail
• Paris Collection - Cancan and Cabarets : The spirit of the Parisian Belle Époque in authentic period figurines
• Compiègne Collection - Hunting : French tradition of hunting represented by lead soldiers and characters from our heritage
Each collection offers high-quality figurines, made in France.
Figurine Maker: A Rare Craft
In a world where industrialization threatens traditional know-how, FIGURART perpetuates a rare craft that is preserved only by a few enthusiasts. Our workshop in Compiègne, cradle of the French figurine tradition, keeps alive the ancestral techniques of making toy soldiers, passed down from generation to generation. This French artisanal tradition, recognized by our "artisan d'art label" and "atelier d'art de France" certifications, makes each figurine a unique work that contributes to the preservation of a living heritage. By choosing FIGURART, you support not only the excellence of "Made in France", but also the survival of a centuries-old art that tells the story of France through miniatures.
Traditional painting techniques for figurines
The art of handcrafted collectible figurines reaches its peak in our painting studio, where each unique piece receives exceptional treatment. Our lead figurines benefit from a painting process that separates a mass-produced product from a true work of collectible art.
Art in Miniature - Fine or Glossy Paint?
Our Compiègne workshop perpetuates the art of hand-painting metal figurines, a meticulous process that brings each creation to life. Each piece is meticulously inspected for any defects before applying an undercoat, ensuring optimal paint adhesion. Colors are meticulously chosen, and the appropriate techniques are adapted to each subject, using a palette of premium paints to create striking effects of light, shadow, and texture.
Patience and precision are paramount at every step of the process; every brushstroke is deliberate and every detail meticulously considered. Once the painting is complete, a protective varnish is applied to preserve the beauty of the colors and ensure the longevity of the miniature. Each figurine then undergoes rigorous inspection to ensure its quality, then is packaged with the utmost care before being shipped to our customers, ready to join their collection.
Our commitment to excellence is deeply rooted in every piece we create, reflecting our passion for unique craftsmanship. Located in Compiègne, our workshop is one of the last to preserve this expertise and maintain figurine manufacturing capacity in France, thus perpetuating a centuries-old tradition of quality and authenticity.
Oil and Acrylic Colors for Figurines
Magic happens as soon as a binder and pigment meet. Whatever the subject, we choose the best paints to ensure the longevity and quality of our figurines. While toy soldiers were once painted with oils, today we prefer acrylic paints for their vibrancy and durability. Unlike the glossy finishes of toy soldiers, modern figurines often have matte finishes.
Historical expertise of costumes and uniforms
Mastering the subject is essential in our craft. We rigorously study soldiers' uniforms to ensure historical authenticity. This same requirement is applied to all our projects, in order to bring to life the figurines sought after by collectors while respecting the author's vision. Today, the resin or metal comic book figurine perpetuates this tradition while adapting it to modern trends.
The Art of the Figurine
"The art of figurine making lies in the meticulous application of colors to pewter alloys. We select the finest Kolinsky brushes to allow the figurine artist to express the smallest details with unparalleled precision. Among the techniques used are wash and glaze, brushing, and pointillism, but none can match the artist's experience and mastery. Here, beauty finds its harmony in the "made in France" style.
A Craft at the Service of Cultural Institutions and Heritage
Our expertise in historical lead figurines positions us as privileged partners of French cultural institutions. Museums, historic monuments, and cultural venues call upon our know-how to create faithful reproductions that enrich their collections and enhance the visitor experience. From figurines of Greek philosophers to ancient Roman Emperors, to the Middle Ages of the Templars and Joan of Arc, to political figurines of the Revolution, including painters, poets, composers, and authors of the 19th century, our creations become true ambassadors of memory and heritage, transforming each figurine into a tangible fragment of our shared history. This heritage approach distinguishes our lead soldiers from simple collectibles, giving them a unique cultural and educational dimension.
French Excellence in the Face of Competition
FIGURART stands out as the only manufacturer of "lead" figurines in France to carry out its entire production on national territory. Unlike our competitors who may resort to imports, our commitment to "Made in France" guarantees complete traceability and impeccable quality. Buying from FIGURART means buying directly from the artisan, benefiting from the "Made in France" guarantee, and supporting the promotion of French heritage. This artisanal approach, certified by the "artisan d'art" label, gives our lead soldiers an authenticity and heritage value that cannot be matched by industrial or imported production.
Collections and Personalization
Find all our traditional pewter alloy figurines hand painted in France.
Why Choose Our Collectible Lead Figurines?
Nos figurines en plomb FIGURART offrent une expérience inoubliable aux collectionneurs grâce à :
•L'originalité de nos créations exclusives, introuvables ailleurs
•La qualité remarquable de nos finitions artisanales
•Notre service client attentif et notre expertise reconnue
•Des collections soigneusement sélectionnées pour leur valeur historique et artistique
•Le prestige du "Made in France" et de notre label Artisan d'Art
Chaque figurine de collection est une invitation à découvrir l'Histoire à travers l'art de la miniature, offrant aux amateurs une collection d'exception
FIGURART collectible lead figurines are more than just objects: they are unique pieces of art that embody the passion, precision, and creativity of our artisans. Located in Compiègne, our workshop perpetuates the French tradition of figurine making while creating the exceptional collections of tomorrow.
Join the community of collectors who have chosen excellence with our exceptional handcrafted figurines, and discover why FIGURART is recognized as one of the last French manufacturers to maintain this ancestral know-how.
Address
19 bis rue Hippolyte Bottier
60200 Compiègne
Phone
+33635168918
