Gilbert Valentin was born in 1928 in Nancy. It was in 1946 in Dieulefit that Gilbert Valentin discovered ceramics and was introduced to the most primitive techniques of this art. This first experience will soon be followed by a professional apprenticeship at the National School of Vierzon (now Lycée Henri-Brisson) in the ceramic section and then by a work at the pottery of Lunéville-Saint-Clément as a ceramic engineer. It is therefore with a great mastery of the techniques of ceramics, especially enamels, that the artist will approach his ceramic career. In 1950, the artist decided to move to Vallauris. He founded Les Archanges, where he received in friendship many artists, painters, sculptors, musicians, writers, including Pablo Picasso, Jacques Prévert, Georges Braque and Jean Cocteau. Gilbert Valentin will actively participate in the renewal of forms and decorations. With a predilection for robust pieces, the artist renews certain forms: the pitchers without handle that one seizes by the collar as well as research of zoomorphic forms in small and medium pieces. One of the distinguishing features of this period, which is very recognizable, is the abstract decoration on a black or grey granite background where are projected spots of pure colors.