This paperback book is a must have for santon collectors. This year the Carbonels present a new version of the already popular “le petit dictionnaire des santons de provence”. Written in both French and English, it features 102 santon figures with color pictures and descriptions, giving insight into the figures importance to the Santon legends.
Other features include: * The Tradition of Santons * The Making of Santons *The Nativity *Plus 11 pages featuring the Carbonel Collection. $18.00 + mailing
Merchande de Picons “Picon” is a household word in Marseilles since Mr. Picon came to live and invent his famous aperitif drink made with orange peel. Before the invention his factory used to sell the useless orange peels at a low price. This street peddler is seated on a little bench surrounded by baskets full of whole and peeled oranges, spread out on pieces of cloth on the ground. It is produced in #2 Elite only. $40 + shipping
Lucky for those of you who already purchased the new figures for 2003. You got a great deal! The Carbonels moved them into a new price bracket. The Arlessiene Assise (Young Woman Seated) is now $38. The Vielle Arlesienne (Old Woman Seated) remains at $21. It doesn’t figure! Jeune et Vielle Arlesiennes Assises (Young and Old Women Seated Together on a Bench) price increased to $40.
On a happier note.........the beautiful Farandole Dancers have become more affordable, dropping from $36 to $30 per dancer. With their hands clasped together and their colorful clothing, they make quite a show when 4 or more of them are joined together. The Farandole Story is included with the purchase of 2 or more.
At this time last year we were preparing to attend the National Convention of the Friends of the Crèche in Hyannis, Massachusetts. The event was far beyond our expectations. Each day and night was filled with crèche related stories, displays, singing, a santon play put on by children, informative talks on displaying the nativity, auctions, raffles, rooms filled with incredible collections, floral displays to complement crèches, a sales room from which to choose every kind of crèche from the antique to the truly modern version. It was an exhausting fun filled, educational three days topped off with a visit to the home of Eileen Canty in Marion MA. Her collection of hundreds of crèches from all over the world was an awesome sight.
The PDF for this year's Newsletter is available here.