Charlène Poret

Chapo Artextiles

Lacemaker

©David Commenchal

A guardian of tradition

Charlène specialises in lace
She is one of a few to master the Alençon lace technique
She is fascinated by the science related to textile arts

Following a career path in needle embroidery seemed like an obvious choice for this passionate craftswoman fascinated by all things related to textile arts. Charlène Poret holds two brevets des Métiers d'Art in hand embroidery and in lace needlepoint and completed a five-year training at the National Workshop at the Point d’Alençon, before opening her own studio in 2016. She chose to stay in Normandy where she specialises in dyeing on vegetable fibres using local wild plants, a know-how she likes to share by hosting workshops for professionals and individuals. With less than 15 lacemakers still practicing the Alençon needlepoint technique in the world, it could be said that she has become a true guardian of a lacemaking tradition.

Interview

©David Commenchal

©David Commenchal

When did you start practising this craft?: I fell in love with textile arts during a workshop given by art professor Marjolaine Salvador Morel, which I took during my baccalaureate. She invited her mother, Mylène Salvador Ros, a master lacemaker in bobbin lace, to introduce us to this technique.
How is your work related to your region?: The only two needle lace techniques still executed with the traditional finesse are the twin lace of Alençon and Argentan. Both come from Normandy. The Alençon needlepoint is classified on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
What is a memorable moment from your professional life?: It was a magical moment during an internship with embroidery restorer Philippe Cécile. He had recently received an old Spanish embroidered shawl worn by one of the survivors of the Titanic. It had never been washed and was left in tatters because of the sea salt.
How would you define something that is "well made"?: A well made piece balances technique, design and the time required to make beautiful objects. The Alençon lace technique has an execution time varying from 7 to 15 hours per centimetre squared.

Charlène Poret is a master artisan: she began her career in 2010 and she started teaching in 2016