Pierre Marchal

TERCECRET

Etui and case maker

©Pierre Marchal

Craftsmanship on display

Pierre builds cases small and large for transport and presentation
It took him 10 years to perfect his craft
He loves to hide secret notes inside his works

Pierre Marchal is an extremely enthusiastic character who loves to share French know-how. He knew he wanted to go into woodwork and furniture making from the young age of 15, even though he couldn't quite explain why. Perhaps his grandmother’s stories about his grandfather and great-grandfathers who made cases and built organs had something to do with it. Pierre started with a woodworking internship where traditional machines were a real revelation. Fifteen years later, in 2013, he opened Tercecret, his workshop specialising in case, box and trunk crafting. His first official work was a humidor, the P1P2C, for cigar connoisseurs. Pierre applies his craftsmanship to making anything from desks to mini bars, and trunks to cigar cases. He loves to hide secret notes inside his works for people to find later.

Interview

©Pierre Marchal

©Pierre Marchal

How do you marry tradition and innovation?: Tradition resides in the unchanging work of the hand, whether it be in traditional or contemporary pieces. Innovation is in processes, by integrating specific machines or more contemporary materials, which allow you to go beyond tradition.
What do you like most in your work?: Having to listen – it is the most extraordinary thing. It is when everything swarms in my head, and I have to turn ideas into reality. I also like when I get to deliver the piece. I like to stand back to appreciate the moment of discovery.
What are your sources of inspiration?: I love the idea of an object being timeless. I am often inspired by elements of set styles to which I add my personal touch. My inspiration also comes from the materials, their harmonious blend, with a concern for sustainability. And my clients’ tastes inspire me too.
How would you define what you do?: It is very difficult to define what I do, because my creations represent my values. What I do is perhaps to try to please someone, to create what they wish to define. With humility, I would say that I bring beauty, a little poetry and culture to create a unique experience.

Pierre Marchal is a master artisan: he began his career in 1999 and he started teaching in 2005