The Art of Iron at Pouenat

Established in 1880 as a ferronnier, Pouenat has continued to stay relevant and thrive by embracing their heritage while collaborating with some of the most recognized designers working in Europe today. Almost exactly a year ago at their Maison et Objet booth, I was struck by the successful mix of old and new, celebrating the great tradition of French craftsmanship with old world savoir faire and innovative new design. The exacting quality was immediately apparent, from a classic set of ornamental doors

Pouenatto the architectural beauty of Francois Champsaur’s metal Line lamp, part of a special collection celebrating the firm’s tenth anniversary of collaborations with leading designers.

Pouenat

Interested to see more of what they do, I was referred to their showroom in Saint Germain des Prés, which like many of the design outposts in Paris, is found down a tiny street off a charming courtyard.

Pouenat

Here their passion for metal in all its forms appears in sophisticated renditions of lights, tables, chairs and more. Damien Langlois-Meurinne’s Nuit Étoilée lamp for the 10th anniversary is a like a night blooming flower, its sensuous shape illuminating with a celestial grouping of tiny holes.

Pouenat

Architectural elements grace such venerable establishments such as the Plaza Athénée (the canopy over the main entrance below),

Pouenat

the Dior and Balmain boutiques (the latter below, designed by architect Joseph Dirand)

Pouenatand the Connaught in London (reception desk designed by India Mahdavi)

Pouenat

as well as many luxurious private residences and even Versailles, where the firm was tapped to do the metal restoration work. It was fifth generation Henri Pouenat, who also designed timeless pieces for the collection such as his Etrier console below, who in the 1960’s, steered the company toward including more decorative  and contemporary collections.

Pouenat

With a Giacometti-like hammered finish, it is elegant with a timeless artistic quality.

Pouenat

Nicolas Aubagnac’s Olympe sconce is a modern take on a medieval torchère. Elegant yet playful, it has a strong and noble presence.

Pouenat

Some other favorites included Kaki Kroener’s glamorous Oléron pedestal table

Pouenat

Thomas Boog’s sleek nautical Sailor hanging shelf

Pouenat

Nicolas Aubagnac’s indoor/outdoor Troubadour bench

Pouenat

Francois Champsaur’s anthropomorphic Macao coffee table

Francois Champsaurand Michel Jouannet’s modern play on a tête-à-tête, “Left” (with the addition of a right back rest, it is called “L’indiscrète),

Pouenat

with a beautiful leather woven seat. With its strong geometry and simplified klismos-esque forms, it looked like it might have come right out of someplace like Villa Kerylos.

On display are many of the original drawings for the elaborate custom work done by the firm, ranging in style from the medieval to the 20th century.

Pouenat

Past and present are comfortable companions at Pouenat, where craftsmanship lives on in both traditional and contemporary forms. I am hoping I’ll have time next week to stop in to see what’s new.

Pouenat, 22 bis passage Dauphine, 75006 Paris  pouenat.com

6 thoughts on “The Art of Iron at Pouenat

  1. Their craftsmanship is unbelievable, and I love that every piece has an exquisite modern take on an older piece. The console table is gorgeous…have the perfect place for it!!

  2. That Oléron table wants to come live at my house, Stacey. The ironwork in Paris is one of my favorite details of the city – can’t wait to just look and observe and get lost in all the gorgeous scroll work. Hope we can manage a meet up in the 6th!

    Have a lovely week! XO

  3. My favorite piece of Ferronnerie is the staircase at the Petit Trianon with the rose gilding. I love walking around in Paris to find the best ironwork door of the the day. I loved this post.

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