Like any true artist, Jean-Paul Viollet has a deep respect for the materials he uses. When he speaks of parchment and palmwood, his eyes light up. And, in the case of stingray skin”better known as shagreen”for his shagreen furniture, the reverence practically leaps from his tongue. The pebbled veneer has a regal history. It adorns the… [Read More]
The Official Atelier Viollet Blog
Atelier Viollet’s Seyssel Collection
Jean-Paul Viollet is the latest in a line of classical architectural woodworkers who were active in Seyssel, a village in the Rhone Valley, since the early 19th century. Growing up in the family woodworking shop, he developed many of his trade skills and aesthetic sensitivities, working side by side with his grandfather and his father…. [Read More]
Introducing: The Charpente Collection
“The French have a word for it!” And for the centuries-old craft of framing roofs, with no nails, screws, or glue of any kind, ˜Charpente‘ is that word. Instead, intricate mortise-and-tenon joinery holds an edifice together. Altogether unseen, each precision-cut form locks into its corresponding groove, resulting in an unshakable and long-lasting structure. In the… [Read More]
Sandrine Viollet’s Straw Marquetry Award
Every three years, France recognizes her finest craftspeople, chosen from over 180 trades, with the coveted title “One of the best Craftsmen in France.” In 2008, for the first time, the exquisitely delicate technique of Straw Marquetry was included. Sandrine Viollet dedicated over 1500 hours, created 100 custom colors on 24 wood blocks, and brought home… [Read More]
Atelier Viollet’s New Gypsum Veneers
It’s a marvel to behold, a sleek black cabinet expertly crafted from Swiss pear wood and stained a deep, dark ebony” like the keys on a grand piano. That’s not what makes it special, though. Cast your eyes instead on the pearly panels that cover the doors. They’re carved from a soft sulfate mineral known… [Read More]
The Story of Atelier Viollet’s Scale Model Furniture
Jean-Paul Viollet tells the story behind Atelier Viollet’s scale model furniture: “The idea behind fabricating the scale models of furniture came about when I was working with a very busy client. I was only allowed a few minutes of their time to present my concept of design for a commission. Instead of presenting them with… [Read More]
An Exotic Material Shipment From India
It’s always an exciting day here at Atelier Viollet when we receive a supply shipment of an exotic material. We’re particularly fond of the hand-stitched hessian packaging for this recent shipment from India. We’ll be elaborating more on material inside soon, so be sure to keep an eye on our blog by subscribing in the box to… [Read More]
Atelier Viollet Produces Straw Marquetry Panelling For M/Y Quattroelle
Atelier Viollet recently completed magnificent straw marquetry panelling for a media cabinet as well as a set of doors for the newly constructed super yacht, M/Y Quattroelle. We’re collectively honored to be involved in the construction of such a grand interior. Measuring in at a full 85 meters, the ship represents “four Ls”, as per its name: Love, Life, Liberty,… [Read More]