FEATURES ARCHIVE

Why furniture?
Although I intended to go into the contemporary art world, I did an internship at Sotheby’s under Alexandre Pradère, a great furniture specialist, and there I had my induction into the craft. We spent our days flipping over armchairs, removing marble table tops and exploring the telling stamps of famous 18th century craftsmen. I was hooked. Helping out during the iconic sale of works from Château de Groussay in 1999 my interests were further validated. I realised that 18th century furniture has a future. It can live in its original surroundings but also be combined very harmoniously with a contemporary environment. That’s the beauty of it.

Which period of furniture-making represents your personal tastes?
I am very fond of the Régence period where furniture producers merged the grandeur of Louis XIV with the refined finish of Louis XV. I like the way these pieces are elegant without being too precious or feminine. The Régence period in France marks a transitional phase from 1715 to 1723, between the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV when the regent Philippe d’Orléans governed the land until Louis XV was of age.The beechwood fauteuil in the upcoming sale perfectly captures the later part of this period. You can see how the back of the chair is still tall but not imposing, whilst the legs and carving in the wood are quite curvy, taking a turn for the delicate, and the arms are much lower making it more comfortable for resting.

Do you have a furniture ‘hero’?
Furniture making is not really about one person in particular. Each magnificent piece is made by a group of artisans, a veritable mix of talents each with a different role in the process. It is like a very well structured production line where each person has a specialisation and adds a little bit to the overall masterpiece. At the end of the line, the master comes along to inspect and if he is satisfied with the realization of his vision then it gets his stamp of approval. In the Jacob brothers’ workshop for example, there were over 300 craftsmen working there, even though on the final product we only see an estampille with the name ‘Jacob’.

Chair or table?
Chair! More comfortable…

Wood or marble?
Wood, warmer

Louis XV or Louis XVI?
Louis XVI – the foundation of Art Deco…

Marquetry or parquetry?
Parquetry

Ebony or ivory?
Ebony

Walnut or Mahogany?
Walnut

Silver or bronze?
Bronze

Old or modern?
Both!