Master Artisans of the Grands Ateliers de France

A celebration of the French tradition of crafsmanship through a lavish and detailed look at a select group of artisans and the wonderful work that they produce

The Grands Ateliers de France is an elite association devoted to promoting excellence and craftsmanship. Founded in 1993, it now brings together sixty-eight artisans and ateliers, representing more than ninety different craft disciplines. Specially selected by their peers, its members share a passion for the arts, a supreme attention to detail, and a desire to preserve France's cultural heritage for future generations.

These accomplished men and women are acknowledged to have mastered all aspects of their chosen field, producing one-of-a-kind works or limited editions of the very highest quality. Conservation and restoration are mainstays of their careers, but so are creation and innovation. This book introduces a diverse array of talents and captures them at work in their studios and workshops.

Engravers and printmakers, cabinetmakers and upholsterers, weavers and jewelers are just some of the people whose working lives are showcased here, from bookbinder Jacky Vignon to harpsichord-maker Reinhard von Nagel, form the elegant laquerwork of Catherine Nicolas to the couture umbrellas and parasols of Michel Heurtault.