What do you love most about furniture restoration?
Sophie: For me, it is the creativity, daydreaming and contemplation linked to my creative side of what we do. But there are so many aspects that are enjoyable: the reflection and adaptability during the restoration, the gestures at the workbench, but also the link with the customer.
What is involved in you craft that people rarely know about?
Jean: It requires a lot of analysis prior to the work, and there is no such thing as a small restoration. Whether it's for restoration or creation, each piece receives our full attention and the approval of us both before it leaves the workshop.
©Vincent Baldensperger
How would you define the approach of À l’Or et du Bois?
Sophie: We work on wooden objects that have a history, but for whom we want to secure a future. We constantly study new ways and methods, using new tools and materials, but to apply a conservation and preservation approach to the works that will secure their future. We feel the sense of responsibility.
Sharing knowledge also seems to be an important aspect of the workshop.
Jean: Passing knowledge and traditions on is a constant concern. Apprenticeship is one aspect: we have had many trainees. All these years have been punctuated by the presence of interns from the Lycée de l'Ameublement. Sophie also organises gilding courses.