The Grands Ateliers de France Association was founded in 1993 by five master craftsmen who had collaborated on the restoration of the Queen’s Chamber at the Château de Fontainebleau: Ateliers Brocard for embroidery, Maison Brazet for upholstery, Atelier Michel Germond for cabinetmaking, Maison Alot for wood gilding, and Maison Meilleur for bronze work. **Inspired by Jean Bergeron, former Deputy President of the Comité Colbert, and Laurence Bonnet, author of the art book Mains et Merveilles – les artisans de la qualité à Paris, the Association was established to bring together a select group of exceptional artisans. These craftsmen were chosen for their outstanding expertise, professional ethics, and deep respect for both the object and the client—whether in restoration or creation—within the fields of decorative arts and the art
The selection criteria for Les Grands Ateliers de France have remained unchanged since its inception: exclusively French workshops, where all work is entirely handcrafted in France. The standards include professional excellence—unrivaled mastery of their craft, undisputed expertise in their field, and creativity—as well as ethical practice, which means no forgeries or copies, and restorations that are legible and reversible. Members are expected to uphold open-mindedness, camaraderie, mutual support, and collaboration, with each workshop able to confidently recommend fellow members to their clients. Every year, during the General Assembly, members reaffirm their commitment to these fundamental principles through a secret vote.
To apply for membership in Les Grands Ateliers de France, a candidate must be nominated by two current members of the Association. The Admissions Committee—chaired by Simon-Pierre Etienne and accompanied by the Secretary-General and members practicing the same or a related craft—then conducts a thorough visit to the candidate’s workshop. The purpose of this visit is to assess the quality of the application based on the Association’s core principles: excellence in craftsmanship, professional ethics, and open-mindedness. The committee also explains the membership fee structure, which is proportional to the candidate’s turnover. If the application proceeds, the candidate’s name is shared with all members for any potential objections. The Board of Directors then formally records the application and submits it for a co-optation vote at the next General Assembly of Les Grands Ateliers de France.
Since its founding in 1993, Les Grands Ateliers de France has relied solely on membership fees to fund its daily operations. All the events envisioned by the Association have been made possible thanks to the privileged support of patrons, sponsors, and partners. For those who appreciate high-end craftsmanship—combining unparalleled expertise, quality, and creativity in decorative arts and the art of living—the exhibitions and events of Les Grands Ateliers de France offer a unique opportunity to associate their brand with the promotion of these increasingly rare and sought-after manual crafts. For further information, please contact us by email at [a href=mailto:contact@grandsateliersdefrance.com[/a]
2016
Partnership of Martell, cognac manufacturer No 2, with Les Grands Ateliers de France.
Gérard Desquand President2015
Les Grands Ateliers at Révélations : at the Grand Palais of Paris, 2nd Biennial event of Fine Arts and Creation fields.
Lison de Caunes President2014
Métiers d’Art de Vivre : at the Luxury Hotel Prince de Galles in Paris, inauguration after its restoration.
Lison de Caunes President2013
Le Temps Traversé, les 20 ans des Grands Ateliers : at the Grand Palais of Paris, in Révélations,
the 1st Fine Arts and Creation Biennale
Lison de Caunes President2012
2èmes Rencontres de Pommard : 2nd Pommard Meetings, at the invitation of Maurice Giraud.
Lison de Caunes President2011
Sarments d'Artisans: at Pommard castle, in Burgundy, at the invitation of Maurice Giraud.
Gérard Desquand President2010
Or en désordre: second act at the Villa Demoiselle, at the owners of Vranken and Pommery champagnes.
Couleurs d'atelier: at the Palais Royal of Paris, parts of window display of the Ministry of Culture - Cycle Métiers d'art en scène.
Hors-les-murs à Monaco, les Grands Ateliers de France: 4 exhibition days at the Port Palace.
Gérard Desquand President2009
100% Fait Main: in Reims, 1st exhibition at the Villa Demoiselle of P.-F. and N. Vranken.
Reinhard von Nagel President2008
Artigianato e Palazzo : in Florence in Italy, inside Princess Corsini’s gardens.
Winter Fine Arts and Antique Fair: in the Grand Hall Olympia, London.
Reinhard von Nagel President2007
Creation of SAGA, Friends of Les Grands Ateliers Association, to develop knowledge of the cultural universe.
Les Grands Ateliers become les Grands Ateliers de France.
Salon du Collectionneur: at the Grand Palais, in Paris, invited by the Antic Dealer Union.
Reinhard von Nagel President2003
Objets d'Orgueil: in the Couvent des Cordeliers of Paris, 42 Houses representing 43 craftmanships
celebrate the 10th anniversary of Les Grands Ateliers.
Philippe Prutner President2001
Objets précieux, objets curieux - Matériaux rares et Métiers rares: near Geneva,
at the invitation of Maurice et Noémie de Rothschild- Fondation pour l'Art.
Rémy Brazet President1998
Fête de France in Chicago, at the invitation of consul Gérard Dumont and Chris Kennedy
Michel Germond President1996
Mains et Merveilles: in the Couvent des Cordeliers, at the invitation of Paris fête ses Métiers d'Art.
Michel Germond President1995
Les Ors du Temps : an old mansion of Marais area in Paris, invaded on a week-end by the 28 Grands Ateliers of this time.
Michel Germond President1993
Founding President Jean Bergeron has handled new Members’s first recruitments.
According to the statutes, the Presidents-in-Office who succeeded him are elected artisans.
Jean Bergeron Founding President
2016-2017
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Presidente
Fanny Boucher
Vice-President
Lison de Caunes
Founders
Jean Bergeron et Laurence Bonnet
Bureau Members
Secretary-General – Gerard Desquand
Treasurer – Frédéric Hamel
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SUPPORT COMMITTEE SINCE THE CREATION IN 1993
Founding President
Jean Bergeron
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HONORARY COMMITTEE
Presidents
Benjamin et Ariane de Rothschild
† Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, Prix Nobel
Vice-Presidents
Catherine Deneuve
Hélène David-Weill
Members
John H. Bryan, Sara Lee Corporation
Jean de Lambertye, La Demeure Historique
Franz Wassmer
† George Parker
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SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE
President and Co-Founder
Laurence Bonnet, journalist
Members
Loïc Beuriot, notary
Thierry Bonnet, paper-maker
Pr. Alain Gilbert, hand surgeon
Dr. Alain Grandperret, eye surgeon
Monelle Hayot, art editor
Henri Jobbé-Duval, cultural events
Jean Orizet, poet
Apollonia et Athéna Poilâne, bakers
Jean Veil, lawyer
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Grands Ateliers de France
c/o Atelier Lison de Caunes
20 rue Mayet, F - 75006 Paris
contact@grandsateliersdefrance.com