Patrick Maury & Chantal Duclert

Atelier Maury

Lacquerer

From tradition springs innovation

Patrick and Chantal's innovative work straddles art and craftsmanship
PC Maury lacquered cotton is an evolving concept
Their deep knowledge of colour is vital to their designs

Necessity is the mother of all invention: in 2009, Patrick Maury and Chantal Duclert were asked to develop a wall covering that could be designed and produced in their own studio, removing the need for a time-consuming construction project within a client’s home. They invented a lacquered cotton (or linen) that can be used on walls or other objects. Their background in the traditional techniques of gilding, polychromy and furniture restoration enable them to take inspiration from old paintings and colours to create their contemporary but made-to-last designs. “Our goal is to create things that can be hung up, enjoyed, then taken down and stored for another generation. Our works aren’t meant to be thrown away.”

Interview

What are the different techniques and tools involved?: Chantal: Our tools are straightforward: spatulas, brushes, pigments, glue and plant resin. But the techniques involve intense concentration. Dosing the pigments and glue is a careful process. Everything is done by hand, very conscientiously.
What kind of research is involved?: Patrick: It depends on the client. Sometimes we have to match their colour scheme, and this can send us to research older works of art. We can also do literary research; there’s a visual and an intellectual research involved in our different pieces.
Where do you find inspiration?: Chantal: Often in nature, in the woods, the clouds, reflections, water, stones, colours, bird feathers, the detail of a flower. Also in literature, in descriptions, in poetry, and very much in contemporary art exhibits.
Any advice for younger artisans?: Patrick: My best advice is to go out and see art – exhibitions, museums and contemporary galleries – to see where the work is coming from. There’s an artisanal heritage everywhere that we should all know.

Patrick Maury & Chantal Duclert are master artisans: they began their career in 1987 and they started teaching in 1987