Belen Ferrier & Mohamed Kahlia

Atelier B

Frame maker

Jess Hoffmann ©Michelangelo Foundation

The ancient art of frame making

Belén and Mohamed run Atelier B in Geneva
They create contemporary frames with traditional techniques
They restore antique frames and specialise in gilding

Established in 2003 by Spanish-born Belén Ferrier Llamas, Atelier B in Geneva specialises in the restoration of antique frames and in the creation of a wide variety of contemporary mouldings, all handmade in wood, leather or metal. The expertise of Atelier B also encompasses the making of gilded frames and objects using fine gold leaf techniques. “I really love my work, it has been a very important part of my entire existence,” she affirms. Belén has recently teamed up with Mohamed Kahlia, a French master artisan with many years of experience working for a famous atelier member of the prestigious Compagnons de France.

Interview

Jess Hoffmann ©Michelangelo Foundation

Jess Hoffmann ©Michelangelo Foundation

Who encouraged you to pursue this craft?: It was André Buchs, who was one of the most famous frame experts in Europe. He had the most beautiful framing shop in Geneva, with hundreds of antique frames he had bought in Italy. I was fortunate enough to be taken into his workshop at the end of his life.
How did you tackle your need for innovation?: Quite quickly it became evident to me that you have to apply a new design to the ancient techniques. I didn’t want to repeat what other generations had done before. I was fortunate enough to have quite well-off clients who were willing to pay for the trials of good designs.
What is the aspect of your work that fascinates you?: Throughout history, the artist and the framer worked together to make one thing. If the artist is dead you have to work with your imagination and investigation, and interpret the wishes of the owner of that piece of art. I like being the link between the painter, the framer and the owner.
What do you like about your collaboration with Mohamed?: He brings so many possibilities because his technique is so good that you can ask him practically anything and he thinks it over and finds a way of doing it. He’s so brilliant reading other people’s pictures! I’m fascinated working with him.

Belen Ferrier & Mohamed Kahlia are master artisans: they began their career in 1997 and they started teaching in 2010