Nicolas Marischael

The modern face of silversmithing

• Nicolas creates his own contemporary pieces
• He won the Prix Liliane Bettencourt pour l'intelligence de la main in 2015
• He is a former Olympic water polo player

Nicolas Marischael is the third generation in his family to master two very different activities – silversmithing and water polo. His grandfather specialised in making cutlery and his father became a well-known restorer of silverware. Both were also water polo players, his grandfather having created a water polo club in Paris and his father being president of one of France’s most prestigious teams. So it was natural that Nicolas would get a taste for both – and both is what he did. At the age of 17 he started an apprenticeship in silversmithing with his father while also training to compete in the Olympics.

Interview

Louis Teran ©Michelangelo Foundation

Louis Teran ©Michelangelo Foundation

How did things turn out?

I did my apprenticeship and became fully trained in silversmithing, and I also succeeded in getting to the Olympics – Seoul in 1988 – which isn’t bad! I grew both athletically and professionally. I was very lucky to be able to flourish in this craft.

When did you take over your father’s workshop?

My father died early at the age of 68, so I took on the workshop and continued what he was doing. He focused on classic pieces and antique restoration, so I continued in the same vein. But since 2000 I’ve made my own high end contemporary creations in limited series.

What inspires you?

At the heart of my craft is restoration, since I grew up with that, so I know silverwork of all periods. I’m particularly influenced by the Louis XIV and Art Deco periods. I also like to integrate technology in my work. I want to show the modern face of silversmithing and prove it has a place in today’s world.

Can you describe a memorable moment in your career?

One time my daughter came to me and said “we need to talk”. I thought she was going to tell me she was going to get married or was pregnant, but instead she told me “I want to do this job, I want to work with you”. That was a memorable moment for me. She’s the fourth generation in my family to do this work.

Nicolas Marischael is a master artisan: he began his career in 1981 and he started teaching in 2000

Works

©Felipe Ribon

©Nicolas Marischael

©Nicolas Marischael

©Nicolas Marischael

Where