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Roche Pastels- The 4 Elements Collection

This new collection of sets by Roche is named for the four basic elements- earth, water, air, and fire. Each set includes five scrumptious Roche pastels, chosen to represent these elements. The sets all come in a gorgeous wood box- finished with decorative brass hinges and closure. These make an excellent gift. They are also an excellent way to introduce yourself to Roche pastels.

What is it that makes Roche pastels so special? Read on...
Roche pastels where first produced in 18th Century France, in a workshop that was then known as "La Maison du Pastel." During the 19th century, this workshop dealt with all types of artists materials, including pastels. Around the year 1865, Henri Roche, a chemical engineer, chemist, biologist, and artist, started to produce his own pastels. A student of Pasteur, who also worked with Pastels, Roche was in regular contact with artists such as Degas, Cheret, and Whistler. These artists all submitted their desires for pastels- they should have a wide range of colors, varied, harmonious, luminous, and with an adherence to the support such that no fixative is needed.

In 1878, Henri Roche bought and headed "La Maison du Pastel." He decided to abandon selling other artist's materials, so that he could dedicate himself entirely to pastel.

In 1912, Dr. Henri Roche, Roche's son, started to divide his time between his medical practice and his father's work and research. He moved the workshop to where it still stands today: 20, rue Rambuteau. Dr. Roche nearly lost the shop completely during World War I, and the workshop was looted and occupied by the Germans during WWII. Dr. Roche managed to keep in contact with his artists during the war, and started pastel production again in 1946, with the help of his wife and three daughters.

La Maison du Pastel was take
The Four Elements Collection by Roche- Air
The Four Elements Collection by Roche- Earth
The Four Elements Collection by Roche- Fire
The Four Elements Collection by Roche- Water

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