The Saint-Jacques workshops renovate the Royal Chapel of Versailles
The Royal Chapel of Versailles Castle is the last major building of Louis XIV for his Palace. It impresses with its elegance and elevation borrowed from Gothic architecture, the magnificence of its decoration and the incredible technical quality of its realization. Throughout the construction period, which lasted from 1687 to 1710, the architectural project matured slowly and found its final shape thanks to the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Influenced by ultramontane architecture, the building is nevertheless part of the great French tradition of palatine chapels and appears as a manifesto of modernity.
In all respects, this building is one of the most striking in the whole field, one of the most accomplished and one of the least transformed. The Ateliers Saint Jacques have been in charge of the Chapel bays and wrought ironwork restoration for a year and a half.
These bays – about eleven meters high – are authentic masterpieces of the early eighteenth century French blacksmith. From a visionary design, incorporating modern systems still used today, they are the case supporting the stained glass windows that make the space so incredibly bright. Without the use of this ironwork technology, opening such bayes in clear lanes would have been impossible. Here, the art of the master glassmakers is sublimated by the talent of the masters iron-workers, thus conveying to Versailles a crown of light.
It is therefore with great respect and pride that the Ateliers Saint-Jacques dismantle, inventory, restore and reinstall the irons of these works. Rusty elements are cleaned, twisted irons are returned to their original shape and the missing pieces are reforged.
This project is a feat for the Ateliers Saint-Jacques metal workshops. It is the result of nearly six months of research, conducted by their design office in partnership with engineering teams and architects of historic monuments. During this pre-restoration stage, they inventoried each glass, dating and examining it, and inspected each screw or bolt. This is how they recounted nearly 300 years of successive restorations, some more successful than others, before deciding what direction to give to their own work. Because this new restoration is the most important since the construction of the bays: from the preparatory work to the final gilding, through the dismantling of the original stained glass windows or the restoration of worn out beadwork. The companions* work to give them back their original shape, inch by inch. They try to take into account all the issues related to the restoration of a monument of such importance. They work therefore with great rigor and extreme minutia. They are aware that by touching these works they touch the most valuable heritage of France, thus being inscribed in its History, its conservation, and its future.
Share
Par Excellence's novelties
MELJAC offers new options in the Damier collection of keypads
MELJAC, the leader in bespoke electrical hardware, now offers a choice of button shapes (round or square) and settings (flush or raised) in the Damier collection. Additionally, backlit engravings are now available to provide gentle illumination. These new options provide even more flexibility and freedom for the controls of lighting control and home automation systems.
The Damier collection features straight edges, concealed screws and low-profile push-buttons; enhance your space with clean lines and hand-finished, solid brass (available in over 25 finishes. The Damier colllection can be combined with numerous electrical components based on project needs. To give its customers even more choice, MELJAC has created new switch shapes: round, oval, triangular, rectangular, flush to the panel or raised, whatever you prefer. Bespoke and made-to-order are still the keywords at MELJAC, with each product uniquely crafted for your specific project.
Engraving options include words, printed symbols, icons and more.
Multiple sizes and configurations available.
Pricing: from $309
Manufacture de Tapis de Bourgogne – Focus on “OMBRE Rugs”
The Manufacture de Tapis de Bourgogne has built its reputation on its expertise in manufacturing custom ombre and gradient carpets.
Their workshop based in France have an extraordinary stock of yarns: over 3000 colors of wool, silk, raffia, linen, lurex, viscose… Thanks to this stock, they are able to produce a custom color sample in one week. Their in-house design studio can create gradient and ombre from 2 colors to dozens of colors.
Interior designers as Bruno Moinard, Pierre Yovanovitch, Peter Marino, Philippe Starck and artists as Sonia & Robert Delaunay, Victor Vasarely, Zao Wou-Ki or Keith Haring have produced colorful rugs and carpets in their workshop.
Ozone has developed two new models of Marienbad and Brasilia Lamps.
Marienbad SW60
Wall washer with a power of 1000 lumens. This model has been developed to harmoniously illuminate a wall up to 3 m wide.
Brasilia PL
New compact version (27.6×27.6×31.5 inches) of Michel Boyer’s famous Brasilia chandelier. This model has been developed for easier integration into architecture. Other novelties are being developed, such as the Luxembourg chandelier in White Onyx and the Parisienne Concorde suspension with three globes.
Interview with Delphine Mauroit - DMD Architecture
By Par Excellence
Delphine Mauroit is a Belgian Interior Designer. She founded DMD & Architecture in the heart of New York City in September 2009. Rising from Senior Designer to Head Architect, Delphine Mauroit has been recognized for her unparalleled creative talent and professional success in global high-end residential, innovative design and architecture projects, offices…
Interview.
Par Excellence – What originally made you want to become a designer ?
Delphine Mauroit – Since a very young age, I have always been fascinated by the way houses were built, how they were arranged inside, materials that were being used to build them… So, I naturally opted for architectural studies in Belgium. It is only when I was hired by Yabu Pushelberg in Toronto that I realized what an amazing field interior design was, and that was a complete revelation to me!
Par Excellence – How would you describe your approach to design ?
Delphine Mauroit – Interior design is about creating attractive 3-dimensional spaces, of course. Spaces that are materializations of a client’s dream, or brief. But I believe for a space to really ‘work’, you need to add a fourth dimension. You need to understand how humans move around, how they socialize around spaces… in order to create some kind of flow, a soul to the place. And that’s what makes my approach different I think.
Par Excellence – What is the role of the designer according to you ?
Delphine Mauroit – I think the most important role of a designer is to be a sounding board for his client first. I love that initial briefing phase with clients when they draw you into their world and what they have in mind. I love seeing the excitement in a client’s eyes when your inspiration meets theirs.
Par Excellence – Was there a moment that made you go out and start your own firm ?
Delphine Mauroit – That moment was a kick in the rear end when I was let go by Rockwell Group in New York, 10 years ago (oh my god…). I was sad but I also felt a great sense of relief, a sense of freedom to finally be able to ‘do it my way’. When I walked out the door with that little check in my hand, I realized that I was ready to go solo, and I strangely did not feel scared at all.
Par Excellence – What made you decide to start your own business rather than working for someone else?
Delphine Mauroit – As soon as I started my business, a couple of clients came on board very quickly through my personal network, and it snowballed from there. I never looked back!
Par Excellence – Could you tell us about what projects you are working on at the moment ?
Delphine Mauroit – Currently, our 2 main projects are a 5000 square-foot apartment in Tribeca, and a 6000 square-foot office space on Fifth avenue for a very successful and innovative tech company.
Par Excellence – What is the project you are the more proud of ?
Delphine Mauroit – I will have to say that my very first project, “The Raines Law Room” speakeasy is probably the one that is closest to my heart. That was 10 years ago and it is still celebrated as one of the finest cocktail lounges in New York, year in year out. I absolutely love the “Elsie rooftop bar” not only because it has the name of my baby girl haha! But also, because it’s quite stunning and has been selected for the ‘Restaurant and bar design awards’. Fingers crossed.“Dear Irving” on Gramercy has won the best bar design by Time Out magazine.The “Harlem house renovation” because it was crazy team work with my husband. We turned it into a wonderful haven. I know you asked which project (singular) I was most proud of, but there are so many I loved working on! They all occupy a special place in my heart for various reasons.
Par Excellence – What is your dream project ?
Delphine Mauroit – This might sound silly, but I would love to design the first human base on planet Mars. I’m only half joking. I would absolutely love to rethink every aspect of how humans live in their habitats. On a more terrestrial level, I would love to design a hotel again, and a school.
Par Excellence – What is your motto ?
Delphine Mauroit – “Do what you love and everything will fall into place…”
Raines Law Room Speakeasy
Elsie Rooftop Bar - Times Square
Dear Irving Bar
Harlem Renovation House
Share
Par Excellence Renaissance
Par Excellence News
With the ambition to strengthen the links between the finest French craftsmen and the greatest interior designers in New York, Par Excellence is excited to reveal the opening of a very new chapter. New showroom at the heart of Noho, new logo and new website, new partner and finally, a team more motivated than ever! But that’s not all, a lot of projects are yet to come! Stay tuned.
Our new team
Par Excellence grows and welcomes three newcomers to promote the high-end know-how “à la française”: Laetitia Dominguez, Agathe Peigney and Camille Dubourdieu-Rayrot! The new team is very excited to be part of this adventure!
Our new partner
The Ricou Workshop joined Par Excellence! They master two unique know-hows: the creation of painted decorations and the restoration of paintings and sculptures for historical monuments. After the Venetian Room, the Atelier de Ricou will take care of the renovation of the Ball Room of the French Embassy cultural services in New-York.
Share
The Ricou Workshops are joining Par Excellence!
We are pleased to announce that the Ricou Workshops are joining the group of French Craftsmen Par Excellence!
After Jouffre, Declercq Passementiers, Lison de Caunes, Les Ateliers Saint-Jacques, Les Marbreries de la Seine, Ozone and Meljac, it is the turn of the Ricou workshops to be part of the family of Par Excellence.
L’Atelier de Ricou was created in 1989 by Stéphanie and Cyril de Ricou. It combines two know-how: the creation of painted decorations and the restoration of paintings and sculptures for historical monuments. This combination of creation and restoration determines the Atelier’s philosophy: to create sets in coherence with the surrounding space. To this end, the Workshop masters a wide variety of techniques, styles and materials.
Their Craft
Creation – Penthouse – New York – 2017
Whether in Paris, London, Los Angeles or New York, L’Atelier de Ricou designs wall decorations with a contemporary vision and in connection with the surrounding space.
The chimney and column were treated as strong and colored anchors, in a degraded raw material similar to metal, leather or slate.
Renovation – Venetian Room, New York
Built at the dawn of the twentieth century, at 972 Fifth Avenue in New York, for one of the largest fortunes in the United States, the Payne Whitney Mansion is reported from its construction as a major work of the architect Stanford White. It was acquired in 1952 by the French government to install the Cultural Services of its embassy. The Venetian Room is the visitor’s waiting room and is considered one of the masterpieces of New York’s Gilded Age.
The mirrors lining its walls are held by carefully sculpted parecloses. The whole is gilded and crowned with a voussure in brass carving in which file a decoration of flowers in porcelain.
This decor, dismantled in 1949 and reinstalled in 1997, has been entirely restored by the Atelier de Ricou.
More to come
After the Venetian Room, the Atelier de Ricou will take care of the renovation of the Ball Room of the French Embassy cultural services. After responding to the tender, their project was selected. By Excellence accompanied them during the presentation of the latter.
Share
Interview - Raphaëlle Le Baud - The Craft Project
Raphaëlle Le Baud is the co-founder of the Métiers Rares studio and the founder of a podcast dedicated to the Craft Industry: The Craft Project. This podcast is a reference in the French Cultural Ecosystem with 28 interviews and 50 000 listeners. It aims at telling the stories of artisans through powerful conversation about their work, career and inspiration.
Among the podcasts recorded by Raphaëlle, four are devoted to our partners: Lison de Caunes from Lison de Caunes Creations, Charles Jouffre from the Ateliers Jouffre, Pierre-Yves Guenec and Pascal Remy from the Ateliers Saint Jacques.
Par Excellence: Which paths, experiences and encounters led you to the founding of The Craft Project?
Raphaëlle: I have been an entrepreneur in Craftmanship for ten years. It all started in 2010, when I took over the Maison Duvelleroy, specialized in the making of fans. And for ten years, I was inspired by craftsmen, who allowed me to take a richer look on life but also on my working sector. This is why I decided to do a podcast.
In addition, I studied at Sciences Po Paris and NYU in New York. I have lived with the radio since I was born and so for me, a podcast is the best way to make the specific intelligence of each craftsman heard.
Par Excellence: Which method do you use during your interviews to have access to the most intimate of each craftsman? Is there a technique?
My mother is a psychoanalyst, so I think it helps. I also have a facility to listen to people. And when it comes to craftsmen, I think it’s my deep admiration for what they do and build that creates a caring environment that makes them speak freely.
Par Excellence: Who is the typical listener of The Craft Project? And what reaction do you want to generate when someone listens to your podcasts?
The Craft Project is very known in the Craft sector. Among the students – especially at the Boulle Art School in Paris – but also the artisans. Many of them told me they listen to the podcasts while they are working. Customers and decorators can also discover gem through this way. And finally, I am always very touched when people who do not know anything about Craft tell me that they listened to the podcast and were inspired by the artisans’ Art and History.
Par Excellence: The Craft Project is also in your words “A Think Thank of Craftsmen who come together to think and act for the future of Crafts”. How can we think this future and what place does the digital occupy in it?
Over the interviews – almost thirty episodes! – we realized that the concerns of craftsmen were deep and worrying, particularly in regard to the formation of their successors. Parents, students and the Ministry of National Education should be aware of the professional opportunities this sector offers. This is why we meet regularly to find new ideas and to act in this direction.
As far as digital is concerned, it enables craftsmen to make themselves known on the market independently of intermediaries. So, it is already a valuable springboard for them. Within the workshops, these are craftsmen who become influencers. Instagram gives artisans the opportunity to get an unprecedented economic influence. That’s why digital is central in the future of fine Crafts, and The Craft Project is the very expression of it. The artisans of the Think Tank have a big digital community, so do I: we are deeply involved in digital.
Par Excellence: You’re in a way an ambassador of French Know-How: Co-founder of Duvelleroy and the Mayaro Gallery in Paris, co-founder of the Métiers Rares Studio. Do you plan to be the ambassador of this French Savoir-Faire on the international stage?
It’s my dream, because the Crafts need to shine. I am very attached to French workshops; I would like to talk about it internationally. I had the chance to participate in Homo Faber in Venice, where it was a real pleasure to talk about crafts, talk about our Craftsmen and their skills and expertise. And this is why one of my dream is also to translate the Craft Project in English. And I thank Par Excellence for all its efforts to accompany me in the realization of this will!
Share
Meljac switches combine design and French Savoir-Faire
July 3, 2019 / Claire Bossu-Rousseau from Signatures Singulières Magazine
Meljac manufactures high-end switches and outlets in brass, glass and porcelain. But also reading lights, cladding card readers, air conditioning, door plates or lifts and doorbells. Meljac’s creations seduce many architects, decorators but also individuals.
Refined switches
“A switch must not only be functional. It must be attractive or even sensual. Your desires inspire me.” This is what Andre Bousquet, Meljac’s founder, declared in 1995. Originally from a small town in Aveyron, André Bousquet created his electrical installations company in Paris. He then realized that a final touch lacked to electrical equipment on construction sites. So he decided to launch his switch manufacturing company, which he called Meljac, the name of his native village. Forerunner, André Bousquet quickly meets success with his designs.
Interview with Jean-Michel Lagarde – CEO of Meljac
The creations of Meljac seem to have for limit, it seems, only the imagination of its customers. What is the most amazing order made to Meljac ?
Jean-Michel Lagarde: Indeed, we are a tool to translate the creativity of architects, thanks to our know-how and our ability to meet the demanding needs of tailor-made. It is our taste for innovation that excites us to take up the challenge! For example, one of the most extravagant achievements comes from a request from a Middle Eastern prince who wanted a butterfly-shaped switch for his daughter who is passionate about these insects! We have developed a real gem: a bronze butterfly, set with precious stone (labradorite) with a push button! This is how our PRESTIGE collection was born.
Meljac’s references are numerous: the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre Museum, the Four Seasons Hotel George V, the Danieli Hotel in Venice… Do you have another prestigious name for 2020?
Jean-Michel Lagarde: Many beautiful projects are underway. The best known are palaces and 5* hotels: The Cheval Blanc Paris, The Mandarin Oriental or the Luxury Hotel Aman New York. For these projects, we produce sophisticated products developed and tested by our design office; for example a brass console engraved with the logo of the establishment, which centralizes all the controls of the room. Every project is different and that’s what makes our job exciting.
Meljac opens its first subsidiary in 2018 and chooses the United States. Why ?
Jean-Michel Lagarde: After several years of presence through a distributor, it became necessary to establish a direct relationship with customers in this specific market. Our presence makes it possible to better understand projects, optimize customer service and responsiveness, and thus exploit the full potential of this geographic sector.
Meljac is also represented at Par Excellence, in New York, a showroom which represent exceptional French know-how. What is the impact for Meljac ?
Jean-Michel Lagarde: We joined the group recently and have already participated in several events and initiated many contacts (architects, decorators, etc.). Our approach is a long-term approach. Par Excellence is a beautiful showcase that allows us to benefit from a presence in New York, in addition to the headquarters of our subsidiary based in Los Angeles. It is a strong support for our local distribution. Par Excellence showroom brings together prestigious names in the field of French know-how and we are proud to be part of it!
Innovative and attractive products
Inspired by the art of living of the 30’s, symbolized by the lever “water drop”, the switches are very elegant. And, above all, the models – brass, porcelain, glass and plexiglass – are customizable! First of all, customers have the choice of mechanisms: levers, push buttons, mini buttons etc. Then they can also engrave words, symbols, pictograms, lights, etc. Finally, the engraving allows to print in color a motive, a logo, or even a photo!
Traditional French know-how with finesse
Meljac creations are handmade in France, and this at every step of the process. In 2015, the company was the first in its sector of activity to obtain the EPV (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant) label. In 2018, Meljac opens a subsidiary in the United States. Signatures Singulières greets this bright journey.
Share
Quentin Garel, Animal Sculptor
Son of a painter, the artistic universe is familiar to Quentin Garel since his childhood. Thanks to his father who covered all the themes of the history of art – portraits, landscapes, still lifes, Garel drew a lot. The only subject that had not been treated at home being the animal, this one became his main subject.
Animals, a universal subject
His elephants, gorillas, giraffes, bird skulls, etc. have conquered Signatures Singulières. At first, Quentin Garel was confined to farm animals to make trophies and restore their coat of arms. A satirical work on the pride of man in some way, like a Jean de la Fontaine. Then the artist became interested in wild animals and the details of their anatomy.
A huge preparatory work
Because Garel likes to represent reality, he makes preparatory drawings as faithful as possible. Therefore he introduces as much information as possible about the light and the volume to come. His technique is classic. Indeed, he uses paper, charcoal and brings some highlights with white chalk to give relief. Like industrial drawings with a front view, from above and in profile, those of Garel is very technical, almost to scale.
Wood, his favorite material
Indeed, beams, planks, etc. He willingly confides that the touching moment is the discovery after cleaning all the effects of wood. It is especially when the veins of wood accompany to the eye and the touch, the drawings and movements of the sculptures. The artist plays with shine and dullness. Sometimes he mixes cast iron with wood, adds plexiglass eyes. Whatever happens, the wooden sculpture always ends up being melted in bronze!
Bayart Gallery – 17, rue des Beaux-Arts – 75006 Paris – Tel. : +33 (0) 9 83 30 60 55
You can find the article in french on the website of our partner Signatures Singulières here.
Share
200EAST59
On thursday, May 16th, an event was held in the newest project of Macklowe Properties.
The company was founded in the mid-1960s by Harry Macklowe, a successful developer, owner, and manager of a wide range of real estate investments. Macklowe Properties’ latest project, a 35-story residential tower, the 200 East 59th street is located between Midtown and the Upper East Side. The development of these residential condominiums respected Macklowe Properties’ commitment to classical modernism. Each residence has a wrap-around terrace, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
The developer Harry Macklowe collaborated with the interior designer Cyril Vergnol for the 22nd floor’s two model units.
Vergnol worked with three partners of Par Excellence for the decoration of these units. Jouffre, who works within the beautiful tradition of upholstery and French luxury, created the curtains for these New York apartments. Ozone, specializing in lighting design, has constructed the chandelier and many other lighting fixtures for the model flats. The exposed carpets were produced by, the Manufacture des Tapis de Bourgogne, a company which has designed and manufactured custom rugs, carpets, and tapestries (tufted and woven hand-made) in France since 1958. All our partners (Lison de Caunes, Les Ateliers Saint Jacques, Declercq, Meljac and the Marbreries de la Seine) were present in addition to the three partners who collaborated for the design of the apartment. This collaboration was an opportunity to invite all our partners and customers into this exceptional setting with a wonderful view of Central Park.
During this event, our partner was able to present its know-how to more than 150 guests. Par excellence wishes to thank them for their presence.
All in a good mood a flute of champagne in the hands and the sunset in the background.
Enjoy the photos of the event below.
Share
Declercq Passementiers, "c’est le pompon!"
Declercq Passementiers, a family home marked by the excellency. Jérôme Declercq and his sister Elisa embody the sixth generation of trimming manufacturer. Indeed, the house began in 1852 with their great grandparents who were settled on Quincampoix Street. Today rue Etienne Marcel houses the showroom while the creative workshop is located in Montreuil aux Lions.
The jewel of decoration
The term passementerie comes from the word “passement” which designates in decoration any ornament woven with threads. Geometries and colors that are infinitely different. The names are funny sometimes enigmatic as “bouffettes bouclées”, “trililis”, “claws”, “galons” or “cocorinettes”. These small elements ennoble the interiors and give them a final touch. Trimmings have an old-fashioned side but new things come to wake her up. Since the house is working on new techniques and new materials such as steel or fiber optics.
The know-how of a trade community
Because 80% of the items are entirely hand-made by specialized master craftsmen: the twister, the warper, the reel, etc. These work mainly with silk, gold (gold threads 24 carats), fibrane (commonly called “viscose”), cotton and wool. Prestigious places like the Elysée, the Palace of Versailles, the Opera Garnier, the Peninsula Hotel in Paris etc. are full of creations signed Declercq Passementiers. But many individuals around the world also make up his clientele. Declercq Passementiers is a Living Heritage Company (EPV). Margot, the daughter of Jerome Declercq, will eventually take over the reins of the family home.
Singular Signatures wishes him the same success as his predecessors.
Interview with Jérôme Declercq CEO of Declercq Passementiers
What made you want to go into the trimmings?
Jérôme Declercq: My desire goes back to childhood, when I accompanied my father. I spent a lot of time in the workshops, I watched the trimmers work, I ran between the trades. I have always loved this workshop atmosphere, the smell of materials, the soft “singing” of silk and the regular sound of looms. It is a particular universe, where beautiful things are played out. I like the human relationships that are created in a workshop. The virus took me very young, he never left. I like the idea of perpetuating know-how and this freedom to create.
It is an art recognized in France. Is it the same abroad?
Jérôme Declercq: I would say rather a craft, but yes, it is recognized throughout the world, even if it enjoys a special status in France because it is in France that trimmings have historically taken all its rise, and that the most beautiful pieces were created. In the world, trimmings symbolize an important part of the art of living “à la française”.
During this event, our partner was able to present its know-how to more than 150 guests. Par excellence wishes to thank them for their presence.
All in a good mood a flute of champagne in the hands and the sunset in the background.
Enjoy the photos of the event below.
You have joined Par Excellence, which promotes French talents in New York. What do you expect? Do you already have any benefits in this way? What kind of welcome did you receive in New York?
Jérôme Declercq: previously, we used distributors who sold our trimmings. Thanks to Par Excellence and the synergy it generates, we can promote our own brand and our identity Declercq Passementiers. We have been working for a long time with the United States (for example, we have made beautiful trimmings for the Frick Collection), and Americans are very fond of this kind of products. But with Par Excellence, we are developing our contacts with American decorators who are enthusiastic. This initiative of high-end French artisans is very well received by American customers, it is a guarantee of excellence and therefore a legitimacy for the partner brands. We have already achieved good projects, the prospects are good, and we are very motivated.
What challenge would you like to meet in 2019/2020?
Jérôme Declercq: I would like the success and the influence of Par Excellence to open a second pole on the West Coast: that’s a very nice challenge!
