Born on October 19, 1958 , in Paris , 8th arrondissement

Formal Education – Completed college secondary level

Post-secondary Education:
Musical studies – Graduated from the National Conservatory of Meudon 92000

Classical guitar, in the class of Professor Betho Davezac
Apprenticeship in several Paris upholstery workshops
Studied and trained in ‘Design-Template, at
École Boulle, 9 rue Pierre Bourdan - 75012 Paris
www.ecole-boulle.org
In-depth study of Art history
Graduated with a C.A.P. (Certificate of professional aptitude) in Furniture upholstery; Design-Template
Studied Upholstery-Stuffing, Chambre des Métiers,
C.F.A. 8 Passage de la Bonne Graine, 75011 Paris
Graduated with a C.A.P. in Upholstery-Stuffing and Design
Apprentice upholsterer in various workshops in France
Established a workshop in Paris 75016, in 1993
Established a workshop in San Diego , U.S.A. in 1998

I chose Interior-Designer as a profession mainly because of my interest in the preservation of old furniture (armchairs, chairs), in the beautiful workmanship of creating and restoring, and in window treatments.

 

UPHOLSTERER - INTERIOR DESIGNER

Heir to the upholstery makers and tapestry makers (weavers).
In the 11 th century, the upholsterer-designer is the craftsman responsible for the design and decoration of interiors.
He is assisted by:
- the UPHOLSTERER-STUFFER, whose job is the stuffing (or filling) and covering of seats and beds; work done in workshops.
- the UPHOLSTERER-INSTALLER, whose job is the in-home installation of the decorating elements prepared and manufactured in the workshop. He also hangs wall coverings, lays floor coverings and installs decorative fixtures (paintings, mirrors, carpets, etc.)
- the FURNITURE-UPHOLSTERER, responsible in the workshop for all the stitching work required by custom made design.
These various workmen must be highly qualified, since they handle precious fabrics – often very expensive – and since they may be entrusted with restoring valuable objects whether they are old or of sentimental value.
The manual skill required by the multiple facets of the above-mentioned work can only be achieved through practice, knowledge of design, styles, old and new fabrics, as well as an impeccable taste, all of which only comes from experience.

     

       

   

                         

HORSEHAIR FILLING

A ‘specialization'

My choice for traditional horsehair filling is mostly geared towards the preservation of old furniture, antique armchairs and chairs, because it protects old woods; if one likes beautiful workmanship, the sturdiness of this type of filling has been proven over the centuries. Indeed, we have discovered very old horsehair fillings, in a perfect state of preservation, the seat had kept all its authenticity, without any damage to the filling … a testimony from the past enabling to learn for the future. Horsehair filling offers sturdiness, comfort, aesthetics, protection against pollution; thus one needs to be knowledgeable in classical and modern armchairs and chairs, as well as their different provenance.

HORSEHAIR

As its name indicates, this type of hair comes essentially from horses. The most beautiful comes from the mane and the tail, and it is called flat hair. Once it has been disinfected and the fat has been removed, it is used to manufacture bows for musical instruments, as well as brushes, paint-brushes, and fabrics (La maison du crin, 73 rue des St-Pères 75007 Paris, France).

In order to be used for the stuffing of seats, it must first be twisted and carded, then stitched on the seat.

Horsehair is expensive to buy, but a seat filled with horsehair may last a very long time, whilst a more economical foam-filling will be relatively short-lived and its deterioration more polluting (chemical dusts).

     

 

MODERN FILLING

Since the beginning of the 20 th century, a new kind of filling has appeared with the innovation of suspended springs … hence the name of ‘comfortable armchairs' … which allow for a raised and very flexible filling.

We have witnessed an evolution in seats due particularly to the appearance on the market of new materials, like foams, elastic seat webbing, which permit modern seats to be shaped in a way better adapted to multiple uses.

Industrially speaking, the cost price may be considerably lowered, once templates have been established which allow for the creation of a whole line.

The professional no longer needs to look for the springs best suited to the lashing and the number of stitches for the twining of the filling.

We may also be able to combine modern and classical materials, hence a sturdier workmanship over time. It is obvious that foam filling, despite the quality of today's materials, will be damaged by light and will age faster compared to traditional horsehair filling.

 

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Delivery and installation consist in:

Curtain rods, window treatments, drapes, portieres, wall hangings, floor coverings (wall-to-wall carpeting, area rugs), hanging of paintings, mirrors, consoles.

      

 

   

The role of the upholsterer-installer is extremely important. Not only because he contributes to the interior design, but also because of his direct interaction with the customers.

He is not only a craftsman, he must also have good taste in matters of colours and quality of fabrics. Furthermore, he must be very knowledgeable in interior design, i.e. styles, painting, carpentry, locksmithing, electricity, etc…

His competence gives him the status of Interior designer.