Baudoin Gassies is the santon maker of Aiguines, a charming village in the Haut-Var at the entrance to the upper Verdon gorges, on the left bank. He began his career in 1986, taking over the workshop founded by Léon Gaubert, a master santon maker of the late 19th century. Inheriting old plaster moulds dating from the 1930s, Baudoin continues the founder's traditional designs. The hunter and gendarme still wear their late-19th-century gaiters.
Baudoin has added his own characters, including Marie-Rose, the maker of studded wooden boules. She honours the last woman to practise this craft in Aiguines, who died in the late 20th century. The village was a renowned centre for traditional nail-studded boxwood boules. Saint Francis of Assisi, associated with the origins of Christmas nativity scenes, is another figure found only in his Aiguines workshop.
Alongside traditional santons, Baudoin Gassies specialises in tiny santons puces measuring 35, 25, 20 and even 14 mm — miniature masterpieces of skill and precision. He also creates original medieval-inspired figures. A master craftsman, modeller and sculptor, he makes large clay santons of 30 cm and carves figures in prickly juniper wood, such as the Virgin and Child shown below.
Baudoin Gassies rarely leaves his workshop to show his work at exhibitions or fairs. The best way to discover his santons is to visit him in Aiguines, where he presents his craft and creations. The journey to Aiguines, with its magnificent view over Lake Sainte-Croix, is well worth it. You can also contact him through the website listed at the bottom of the page.
Santons Gassies: Baudoin Gassies, santon maker in Aiguines (Var) — master craftsman — website: www.santonsgassies.fr
Getting to Aiguines — GPS coordinates: 43°46'29'' – E 6°14'35''