Manufactories

Refers to organized groups who make objects primarily by hand. In the context of Western art and decorative arts, the term "manufactory" is often used rather than "factory (organization)" to distinguish groups active in the 17th century or later that made fine art, furniture, tapestries, ceramics, and other decorative objects, as contrasted to workers active in modern industrial complexes, or "factories (structures)," where objects other than art are produced. Manufactories are typically characterized by the types of objects they produce, by the relatively large numbers of artists and craftsmen employed, and by the relatively complex administrative structure of director, or "directeur," and several masters, who may each supervise a separate workshop or studio of artisans and apprentices. Manufactories were often sponsored by a monarch or other powerful person. For smaller groups consisting of a master artist or architect and his or her assistants or pupils, especially those dating from the mid-17th century on, use "studios (organizations)." For smaller groups of artists or craftsmen collaborating to produce works, often under a master's name, especially when the groups existed prior to the 17th century, use "workshops (organizations)."