Fabien Ferreri

Atelier Villard

Furniture maker

©Fabien Ferreri

Implicit mastery

Fabien's initial passion was heritage building restoration
For him the hand is an extension of the mind
He grows his own trees and uses this and other local wood alone

Fabien Ferreri is the French furniture designer behind Atelier Villard. He graduated from École du Bois and École du Louvre, although his initial passion was rural heritage and traditional restoration techniques. In his creations, Fabien works with wood, steel, paper and fabrics, combining materials in a sensual and intellectual dialogue. His research focuses on forms that express, behind their apparent simplicity, a resolute complexity. There is little artifice in his pieces which showcase authoritative, serious, almost radical lines. Inspired by the renaissance of contemporary craftsmanship, his philosophy is based on unique, handmade creations, following an ethical and responsible approach with references to traditional Japan.

Interview

©Fabien Ferreri

©Fabien Ferreri

Is your work tied to your territory?: I pay particular attention to the tree species that I use. They all come from the forests of Normandy or my property. I never work with exotic wood species. Every year, in autumn, I replant the tree species that I have used in my work: cherry, walnut, ash, service tree and acacia.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?: Creating pieces that will accompany my clients in the intimacy of their daily lives. The freedom of being able to live from a passion that links creative imagination and the mastery of a gesture is also a privilege.
What is the meaning of well made for you?: George Brummel wrote that “true elegance consists of not being noticed.” A well made piece is, at Atelier Villard, one that will fully express its emotional and functional power without highlighting the technical complexity involved in its making.
Any suggestions for youngsters interested in your trade?: Work, dignity and humility: respecting oneself in order to respect the profession that we wish to practise, explore and represent. Set no limits to your intellectual curiosity and to the long discipline that you have to impose on yourself to master your craft.

Fabien Ferreri is a rising star: he began his career in 2018