Nicolas Salagnac

Medal and coin maker

©Eric Doublet

©Nicolas Salagnac

©Matthieu Cellard

©Nicolas Salagnac

The medal maker

Nicolas proudly represents his art
Being a medallist is rare today
He values collaboration between craftspeople

Growing up in an artistic family, it is no surprise that Nicolas Salagnac, like his three siblings, is today a recognised craftsman. Awarded the title of "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" in 2000 with his model engraving, he specialises in making coins and medals. Chosen for projects such as making the medals for the Senators of the French Republic in 2017, as well as the official medal of the former President of the French Republic, Salagnac is highly passionate about keeping the spirit of craftwork thriving, notably through teaching. He is inspired by other artisans and their work, and wants to unite people to combine skills, techniques and talent.

Interview

©Eric Doublet

©Matthieu Cellard

When did you decide to pick up this craft?: I have been tinkering since I was a child; we are 4 siblings, and we all went to the Ecole Boulle in Paris. I thought of becoming a cabinetmaker like my grandfather, but I had a great teacher for engraving, Pierre Mignot. Since then, I haven't stopped.
What do you love most about your profession?: I love the magic in the jobs we do: sometimes, it works, you're inspired and it's beautiful, it's right. And sometimes, by doing the same thing, it doesn't go so well and you are less inspired. This difficult magic is what makes it non-repetitive.
What do people overlook about engraving?: Everyone knows what a medal is, but who knows how a medal is made? I think you have to have a real curiosity. There is a false sense of knowledge, that is what is difficult today. I want to tell people to have genuine curiosity for how things are made.
Could your craft be considered in danger?: It is a rare craft that I defend for its purity, technique and elegance. We must collaborate to break the codes and make unique pieces. For example, I am currently working with Serge Amoruso, a leatherworker in Paris.

Nicolas Salagnac is a master artisan: he began his career in 1985 and he started teaching in 2004