De terre et de souffle, Sifflets en argile de Sarthe et d’Europe

For several generations in the Sarthe region, until the middle of the 20th century, potters made and sold clay whistles all over France, delighting children and children. These whistles were sold at markets, fairs and festivals, usually in the spring. often in spring. The tradition has gradually been lost, but it is still alive in certain regions of France, Europe and elsewhere in the world. From an everyday object - and as such often disappeared because it was fragile - the whistle has now become a small sculpture in its own right. This exhibition invites us to rediscover these astonishing objects that have been part of everyday life for part of the daily lives of past generations, and which today are becoming veritable works of art in the hands of experienced ceramists. The aim is to show the diversity of forms, uses and origins across Europe. These objects are unique skills, because it's not enough to make a whistle by hand or on a wheel. by hand or on a lathe. You also have to know how to make it whistle! This exhibition would not have been possible without the scientific support and generosity of Pierre Catanès, a specialist in the subject and a collector. On loan from the Musée de la Ville du Mans, the Musée Joseph-Denais in Beaufort-en-Vallée and the Musée d'art naïf et d'arts singuliers in Laval. With the support of the Sarthe Departmental Council and the Pays de la Loire Regional Department of Cultural Affairs.