Anne Midavaine

Atelier Midavaine

Lacquerer

©Anthony Girardi pour Sinople

A craft of patience and discipline

Lacquering is anchored in traditional materials
A single piece can take Anne up to eight months
She considers lacquer to be a very demanding material

When Anne Midavaine gave up her first career to take over her father’s workshop in 1994, she had to step into a pair of men’s shoes. But when it’s her turn to pass on the baton, she says with good humour, the person will need to fit her high heels. Although Midavaine insists upon the difference between an artist’s work and an artisan’s work, the craftsmanship produced by Atelier Midavaine is both creative and stunning. These are true works of art: from large-scale lacquer panelling and folding screens to elegant furniture of all shapes and sizes, as well as delicate, decorative objects. Proud of the workshop’s long history, Anne reminds us that lacquer involves a delicate dialogue between Asia and Europe.

Where

Interview

©Anthony Girardi pour Sinople

How would you define your work?: Our pieces must satisfy a specific request from an individual, a designer or a decorator. But these rules then create a freedom to conceive and design – how to create the lacquer piece from the idea. That tension is exciting; it is my life’s fulfillment.
What are your special skills?: Alongside mastering the technique, a lacquer artisan has to forget themselves a little – are you an artist or an artisan? I don’t limit the workshop to only what I know how to do, but I can orchestrate my 'musicians' and in this way, everyone finds their joy.
How does lacquer involve tradition and innovation?: Tradition is the foundation of lacquer work. The materials – the rabbit skin glue, the gold leaf, the wood – and the techniques are all traditional. Our clients bring the modern element, so the final product is a fusion and an expression of possibility.
What's crucial to understand about lacquering?: Lacquer is extremely demanding as a material. It requires respect, it cannot be hurried and there are no shortcuts. It takes time and patience, otherwise everything can be ruined. We work in a team, and so everyone must respect the work of others.

Anne Midavaine is a master artisan: she began her career in 1994 and she started teaching in 1994