Andrée Bracq
Tufter
Annœullin, France
Bring tufting to the next level
- Andrée is self-taught in her practice as a tufter
- Her work revolves around gesture, materiality and creating volume
- She makes made-to-order pieces or limited editions of up to 50 pieces
Andrée Bracq’s path as a maker began in Morocco, where she studied fashion design and pattern making. "The most significant aspect of this experience was my exposure to the country’s cultural heritage, and the strong tradition with wool," explains Andrée. After moving back to France and working as a buyer and product manager, she felt a real calling towards something more tangible, turning to architecture, opening a design studio, and discovering tufting in 2020. She is entirely self-taught in the craft and made her first rug using a punch needle, then delving into mastering the material and the technique, using colour instinctively and experimenting with volumes and space. "Tufted textiles are no longer limited to rugs and tapestries, but extend to furniture and interior design, in a fluid interaction with space," says Andrée.
INTERVIEW
Innovation in design can take many forms and is not limited to technology alone. Today, I believe that contemporary craft practices embody a powerful fusion of tradition and innovation, drawing upon inherited know-how and reinterpreting it through contemporary aesthetics and functions.
I am a child of the 1980s, where pop cultures and emerging technologies shaped the era. This aesthetic legacy has influenced my work, as has growing up in the north of France in the heart of the French textile industry, and the experience of living in Morocco.
In my family almost everyone knows how to use a sewing machine and draft patterns, even the men. I was always encouraged to make and experiment. Growing up, I was drawn to investigate different disciplines including architecture, decorative arts, fashion, cinema, and music. These have become my references for inspiration.
I first research, then develop sketches, select colours and materials. I only use sheep wool sourced from France and New Zealand. Next, I develop the narrative of the piece which gradually comes to life, allowing the transition from concept to volume.
Andrée Bracq
Tufter
Annœullin, France
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+33 669148215
LANGUAGES
French, English
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