The Oreiller family's former forge has two bucket wheels ventilating five furnaces, and a set of machines including an imposing drop hammer and pillar drills. All still in working order!
In the early 19th century, Jean-François Pantalon Oreiller (1773-1855) transformed his father's forge in Bagnes into a bell factory. The first forge, which was swept away by the Giétro debacle in 1818, was rebuilt in Villette. Jean-François made bells from spring to autumn, to the rhythm of the forge, linked to the flow of the torrent that powered the machines. Three of his sons continued his father's trade. It was mainly passed down from his son Adrien to his son Louis, who passed it on to his son Léon. The Oreiller workshop closed in 1940.
Oreiller bells had a very good reputation. Relatively smaller than those produced today, they are square-shaped and produce a cavernous sound. Far from being mere showpieces, they were used by shepherds to find lost animals, while in a hierarchical herd they indicate which cow is grazing where.
Immerse yourself in a place that has been kept intact, where the forge is powered by water and fire, and let yourself be guided by the keeper Philippe Corthay, himself a metal craftsman.
Oreiller bells had a very good reputation. Relatively smaller than those produced today, they are square-shaped and produce a cavernous sound. Far from being mere showpieces, they were used by shepherds to find lost animals, while in a hierarchical herd they indicate which cow is grazing where.
Immerse yourself in a place that has been kept intact, where the forge is powered by water and fire, and let yourself be guided by the keeper Philippe Corthay, himself a metal craftsman.
