Are you looking for cups, dishes or plates that combine retro charm and quality? Arcopal tableware, a true icon of the 60s, 70s and 80s, is a must-have for vintage lovers.
Renowned for its durability and timeless designs, this opal glass tableware continues to captivate lovers of authentic and unique objects. This antique tableware comes in all shapes and sizes: cups, bowls, dishes, egg cups, ramekins, salad bowls, pitchers, casseroles, baking dishes, serving platters, vases, and plates.
The story of an unbreakable myth
In 1958, the Cristallerie d'Arques glassworks in northern France registered the Arcopal brand. Their tableware, made of opaline glass, was intended for modest families due to its low cost. At the time, Arcopal's innovative approach was a true revolution in the industrial glassmaking world. It combined opal, a durable mineral, with the raw material, glass.
Their fusion, reinforced by a specific heat treatment, makes the material three times stronger than conventional glass. At the time, it was a true industrial revolution, and its success quickly became international. Furthermore, the material is non-porous, making the containers perfectly hygienic.
Archibald, the Arcopal mascot
The brand chose an elephant as its mascot. The use of this pachyderm demonstrates that Arcopal products are particularly durable. Its name is Archiblad, or Archi for short, it's orange and always sports a big smile.
Very popular for 30 years
This success is a combination of several factors. Indeed, the items are attractive, practical, durable, and... inexpensive! These four advantages made Arcopal products a staple in many homes during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.
The advertising department at the time was also very effective. Companies like Mobil service stations chose Arcopal mugs as gifts for their loyal customers. Other brands that partnered with Arcopal include Coca-Cola, Esso, Fina, Haribo, Royco, Shell, Ricoré Choky, Cacolac, and Van Houten.
But after 30 years of success, Arcopal eventually became outdated in the 1990s. The designs were considered kitschy and the products were associated with school cafeteria tableware. The tastes of that generation had changed, and Arcopal ceased operations in 1998.
And against all odds, 20 years later, Arcopal is experiencing an incredible resurgence of interest on social media. The #vintage effect has put Arcopal back in the spotlight, and a real community is forming around the defunct brand.
The legendary series
The mere mention of the brand name transports us to the heart of the seventies and its colorful patterns. We must thank all the designers for their hard work; we love it!
The 1960s were all about flowers and fruit. We see poppies, roses, sunflowers, pears, bunches of grapes... The series are called Rose de France, Anémone, Fruits de France, Volubilis, Avila...
The 1970s were more colorful, notably with the Lotus series launched in 1974, perfectly symbolizing the hippie era. This series, with its four color variations—red-orange, blue-green, yellow-khaki, and orange-brown—was a vibrant affair. Another iconic series, Scania, with its small orange and pink flowers, appeared in 1976. Other series included Pot-au-feu, Roseraie, Bouton d'Or, and Normandie .
The 80s and 90s also had their series with more neutral colors, and with new octagonal shapes, for example with the iconic Octime series
Where can I find them?
You won't find them in stores anymore. For all so-called vintage series, you'll need patience and a bit of luck. You'll have to hunt around in flea markets, garage sales, and maybe even check your parents' or grandparents' houses.
At Purvintage, our online vintage shop, we've completely fallen in love with Arcopal and are now particularly proud and happy to offer you a wide selection of Arcopal items in perfect condition. We've managed to unearth some real gems, and for certain collections, we can even offer them in sets.