Various objects and machines bear witness to the industries and crafts that made the town famous and employed a large workforce.
In the 18th century, François Joseph Péterinck gave an incredible boost to the Imperial and Royal Porcelain Manufactory of Tournai, exporting tableware all over Europe. These factories continued until 1891. Various pieces of crockery are on display in the museum, with an emphasis on the techniques involved in their manufacture.
The Piat Lefebvre Royal Carpet Manufactory produced neoclassical carpets that were exported throughout Europe, including the Legion of Honour carpet that decorated Napoleon’s study at the Château de Fontainebleau, before moving to the Hôtel de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris. The MuFIm holds archives on this flourishing industry, including a series of preparatory paintings.
To extend your visit
Printing and publishing employed many workers in the region, giving us an insight into the foundations of trade union life and workers’ movements in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Many objects come from the publishing house that exported the most from Tournai: Casterman. Machines, tools and printing equipment stand side by side with familiar heroes such as Tintin and Martine.
The tradition of bellfounding dates back to the 9th century and was maintained in Tournai until the 20th century thanks to the Michiels family, who supplied the 53 bells for the chiming clock installed in the belfry. During the summer months, enjoy concerts played on the belfry’s clock from the museum’s garden.
The earliest traces of Tournai’s potters date back to the 14th century. The museum displays a wide range of items reflecting their varied uses : medical objects, chalices, an inkwell, a miniature doll’s tea set, smoking equipment, and more besides.
Industries et métier de l'art
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