Business France announces French Craft Collective – a one day programme of events featuring the best talent in the French craft and design sectors at the French Residence
French Craft Collective, on 15 May 2024, is dedicated to French artisanal craft. As part of London Craft Week, the event will showcase the skills of 10 exceptional makers working in France presented in the grand surroundings of The French Residence in Kensington.
This 15-year anniversary edition aims to connect world class, highly-skilled French artisans with leading names in the UK design community and give British designers a unique opportunity to discover traditional craft coupled with new techniques hailing from all over France.
A programme of events will take place in the ballroom and salon Margot of the French Residence, designed by British architect Sydney Smirk. Central to proceedings are the ‘Rendez-vous with the Makers’ sessions where the artisans will present their craft and discuss ideas with British designers and specifiers. In addition French Craft Collective is hosting a panel discussion on how best to source French craft.
The Makers
Féau Boiseries – collaborates with outstanding architects to build prestigious residences. Its craftspeople are internationally recognised and praised for the exceptional quality of their work. (image at the top shows The Pierre, an Art Deco building from the 1930s, located on the edge of Central Park. An Upper East Side luxury landmark, it includes a hotel as well as twenty floors of private apartments. With the help of Féau Boiseries, decorators A. and M. Misczynski created a unique pied-à-terre)
ARCA creative woodwork – When a scientific mind is applied to traditional cabinetmaking and woodwork, the result is extraordinary. At ARCA, Steven Leprizé’s creativity has led to the invention of new materials and techniques to bring a unique twist to every project.
Atelier Mériguet-Carrère – specialises in crafting and restoring the decorations of exceptional interiors, undertaking projects for private palaces, luxury hotels, historic monuments and iconic landmarks worldwide (you can meet the company here)
Bignon Dervaux – is a distinguished manufacturer of luxury home linens, renowned for its exquisite array of bedding, embroidery, accessories and table linens. Its collections boast an extensive selection of premium fabrics, available in various thread counts.
CVL Luminaires – Family owned CVL Luminaires crafts interior decorative lighting made from solid brass. Its hallmark is materials of exceptional quality and perfection of the lines. A team of thirty-five artisans infuse their passion into every piece they create by hand.
Gauthier & Cie – was founded in 1888, in the heart of the historic district of French upholsterers in Paris. For over 130 years, Gauthier & Cie have carefully curated and designed window dressings. By combining aesthetics, master craftsmanship and technology, their work helps to structure spaces.
Jouffre – High-end upholsterer, Jouffre, draws upon ancestral expertise and technical excellence to fuel its creativity. Sofas, armchairs, ottomans, bedspreads, wall hangings and window decorations come to life at its various workshops located in Lyon, New York, and Rabat.
Nicolas Aubagnac – designer and decorator Nicolas Aubagnac’s enthusiasm for beautiful materials knows no bounds and he works with France’s best craftspeople to produce timeless pieces of furniture that harmoniously integrate the French art of living into elegant spaces around the world.
RYMS – From ironwork to metal craftsmanship, locksmithing to welding, RYMS’ team of skilled artisans boasts extensive experience, ensuring the quality and durability of their traditional crafts. RYMS’ focus on bespoke craftsmanship is evident in every detail.
Silva Paris – At Silva Paris, everything is art, from stitchwork to upholstery to wall-upholstery. To truly transform a space, it’s all in the details, which is why their seamstresses, craftspeople and upholsterers are devoted to perpetuating ancestral savoir-faire and bringing a refined, high-class finish to each and every project.
The French Craft Collective is on 15 May, drop in to meet the makers between 10.am and 5.pm, the panel discussion on how to source French Craft is at 12 midday.
