Rose Saneuil

Wood marquetry maker

©David Plas

©Oettinger Davidoff

©Eric Valdenaire

©Oettinger Davidoff

©Laurent Hoang

The marquetry miniaturist

Rose specialised in multi-material marquetry
She graduated as a cabinet maker
She defines her work as a decor

Rose Saneuil has only one limitation: her imagination. The French craftswoman masters the art of marquetry, and more precisely multi-material marquetry. A special technique that she created to be able to use different materials, and which is now officially registered. Walnut burl, mother-of-pearl, leather, gold leaf, brass... She finds through her meticulous gesture the perfect alchemy of elements. In addition to the paintings, cases or jewelllery she creates, Rose collaborates with prestigious clients in the luxury industry, including Davidoff and Piaget. For the watchmaking brand, she has imagined several High Jewellery pieces and watch dials, which alone illustrate the virtuosity of her work.

Interview

©Etienne Delacrétaz

Why did you choose this craft?: Marquetry matches completely my personality, my way of being. I am both very Cartesian and passionate about art. It is a profession where technicality and rigour are essential and at the same time, this discipline allows the freedom of artistic creation.
What do you like most about your profession?: The outcome of a project. For weeks and months, the project matures and it is so exhilarating to see the object completed and/or sublimated on a support most often prestigious.
What is a memorable moment in your career?: For the presentation of the first watch dial made in collaboration with Piaget, the "Rose" model dial, I was invited to the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), Geneva. I had 38 interviews with journalists from all over the world.
Is your profession considered to be in danger?: Yes, it could be! I sometimes feel like a dinosaur! It is not really a "fashionable" job. People do not understand the prices related to the time spent on each piece. That is why I work for a clientele in the luxury sector.

Rose Saneuil is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2003