The art cast iron technique was at its height during the second half of the 19th century. Cheaper and lighter than the bronze, it was then possible to realize a large production of quality monumental sculptures. It was mainly used for garden sculptures, urban equipment or fountains.
In 1835, Jean Pierre Andre Victor, inventor of ornamental cast iron technique, opened an art foundry named the "Val d'Osne Art foundry", since its workshops were installed in Val d'Osne, in Haute Marne (France). It quickly became the first company in its field in France. The foundry worked with famous artists like Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, Mathurin Moreau (company's shareholder) or James Pradier.
The Foundry attended several Industry and Universal Exhibitions all over the world, and she receive numerous awards. Its participation was particularly noticeable at the Crystal Palace in 1851 and at the Universal exposition of 1900. Its most famous works still furnish the Parisian urban landscape : the Wallace fountain and Hector Guimard metro entrances called "Édicule Guimard."
