Louis Monier

Chair maker

Sculptural chairs

For Louis, a chair is a sculpture
He uses 3D design technology
He studied at Ecole Boulle for five years

Louis Monier knew he wanted to work with wood since the age of six. However, not until he entered Ecole Boulle, the famous school of fine arts and crafts in Paris, did he discover the craft of chairmaking. He went on to study there for five years. When he first visited the chairmaking workshop at the school, he looked up at the walls decorated with chairs from different periods to inspire the students. Now, after 10 years in his own atelier, the walls of his workshop are lined with his own creations. Chairmaking is its own artform and has its own history, even its specific tools. Louis works with solid wood and uses his skills to draw out soft curves and lines from the hard material. Louis and his apprentices have a clear passion for wood and their talent is evident in the beautiful chairs.

Interview

How has your craftsmanship evolved over the years?: Craftsmanship is a marathon of an entire life. When I enter my atelier in the morning, I always try to give the best of myself. It all depends on work and experience. I still love starting with a raw piece of wood and finishing with volume.
How are you connected to the history of your craft?: In the 18th century chairmaking became a separate craft, when chairs were given curves and new techniques of geometric woodworking were required. It is the science of drawing and now we can employ 3D drawing to create shapes we could not make before.
What is the inspiration behind your creations?: My chairs are all about lines. It is the culmination of everything that I have learned working with ancient chairs and my craft. I search for lines I have never seen before, instead of innovating with modern materials.
What does quality mean to you?: There is the technical aspect, if the chair is well made with well chosen wood and solid assembly. Well made also means well designed. The lines and balance must be in proportion and with experience the eye can learn to see all this.

Louis Monier is a master artisan: he began his career in 2009 and he started teaching in 2013