Louis Monier,
Chair carpenter
Louis Monier opened his workshop in 2013. He specialises in designing and making solid timber chairs. The concept of curve and how an object fits into its surrounding space is essential to his craft. Transmission of skills is a priority for Louis and he welcomes students to his workshop to teach them and provide them with an introduction to the world of this work.
Valentine Huyghues Despointes,
Leather artist
Colour is a key feature of Valentine Huyghues Despointes’ leather creations, drawing inspiration from the sea, sea ice, food and plants. Her pieces stand out for their creativity, exploring all aspects of the material. Constantly pushing the boundaries of the craft and the material, she has developed a collection of decorative items, bags and accessories using leather sourced from the top French tanneries and recycled leather cuttings from the luxury sector. Part of her ethos is sharing her skill by training her associate and tutoring trainees at her workshop set up in 2014.
Mathilde Jonquière,
Mosaic artist
The large-scale frescoes created by Mathilde Jonquière made from marble, Venetian enamels, agate, glass mosaic and gold tesserae are unique. Her custom creations are akin to haute couture in the fashion world, combining supreme technical skill and artistic sensibility. Passing on the craft is a constant preoccupation. Mathilde tutors a young mosaic artist in her workshop and collaborates with other professionals.
During the first stage of support, the Fondation Rémy Cointreau invests in the tools and equipment essential to the practice of these arts and crafts so that these artisans can produce work that truly reflects the remarkable skills they have mastered. The second stage involves the promotion of learning and training to further build on the first stage of support.
The contemporary value of the skills involved in the arts and crafts that the foundation supports has been proven many times over and attests to the creativity and innovation of its artisans. After all, artistic heritage is something to be passed down for everyone’s benefit.
SECOND-STAGE SUPPORT
Joël Guillaume,
Artist blacksmith
Joël Guillaume works with different metals, primarily ferrous alloys, using hot and cold forging techniques. He makes practical and decorative pieces, furniture and large forged works. Eschewing mass production processes, Joël works by hand combining traditional techniques and technological innovations. He trains apprentices, including students from his guild, the Compagnons du Devoir.