The harmonic balance of wood and leather
- Sophie and Richard evolved their crafts to create a new language in furniture making
- The duo creates pieces that combine leather marquetry and cabinetmaking
- Their signature items feature colour and pattern to create positive experiences
It is rare for two artisans from different crafts to combine their skills but Sophie Gailliot, a leather marquetry specialist, and Richard Pontais, a cabinetmaker, knew early on that they wanted to work together. “I could probably have studied any craft, however, it was obvious for Richard and I that our materials needed to be compatible so I chose leather marquetry,” says Sophie. Opening Atelier C.U.B in Montreal, they first made sleek furniture using both materials before making a bold aesthetic shift. “We gave ourselves permission to do what we want, which is covering furniture with leather in unconventional, colourful and graphical ways,” says Richard. Their striking pieces are regularly exhibited across Canada and the USA and have featured in prestigious European events including Révélations in Paris and Contemporanea in Barcelona.
Interview
- When did you decide to collaborate?
- We have known each other for years. We already enjoyed making objects and furniture so the idea of working together came early on. But we lacked skills and we needed to learn the techniques, so we resumed our respective trainings with the combination of leather and wood already in mind.
- How would you define your practice?
- We are somewhat melancholic people and, through our travels, we have found that colours and patterns act as an anti-gloom remedy. The motivation for us is to recreate this at home with furniture and everyday objects.
- Sophie, can you share how you work with leather?
- I specialise in sheathing furniture with leather and creating patterns with it. People often think that I use laser cutting or paint to make the small parts in our work, but that is not the case. Each colour of the leather marquetry is cut and assembled by hand.
- Richard, could you explain your inspiration and approach?
- Sophie and I are interested in different fields. Our approach is inspired as much by music and painting as it is by haute couture and architecture. Music is especially important as I play the guitar and Sophie the drums. It is this mix that is so interesting.
Sophie Gailliot & Richard Pontais are expert artisans: they began their career in 2017 and 2015
Where
Sophie Gailliot & Richard Pontais
