HERVET-MANUFACTURIER paris hand-crafts luxury furniture using traditional techniques

HERVET-MANUFACTURIER paris hand-crafts luxury furniture using traditional techniques
all images courtesy of HERVET manufacturier

HERVET-MANUFACTURIER is a young french furniture design company owned by cousins nicolas and cédric hervet. nicolas has repeatedly received numerous honors for his woodworking, marquetry and sculpture practice, and collaborated with several furniture companies before starting his own studio, meanwhile also designing for private clients, hotels and luxury stores. cédric, on the other hand, graduated from the french art school école boulle in paris, going on to work with electronic music duo daft punk as their creative director; and was also involved in the academy award-winning short film ‘logorama’ as a visual artist. while nicolas and cédric’s professional backgrounds are quite different, their passion for quality and design brought them partner on various furniture prototypes and models in a way that mixes traditional craft techniques.

‘le satellite’ TV cabinet, made in a series of 12

in 2014, they founded HERVET-MANUFACTURIER with these principles in mind. while all of the furniture they initially created from their workshop was developed based on their very personal tastes, they now hand-craft a small production line of luxury furniture. the hervet’s use traditional methods that reflect the practices of the ébéniste (french for cabinet-maker), who historically worked primarily with ebony — a much favored wood that was popular in the making of mid-seventeenth century parisian cabinets — hence the name. ébénistes are known for building case furniture (cupboards, storage units, chest of drawers etc.) by hand, usually from teak, that are embellished by brass metal details such as recessed swivel handles and angle details to protect corners, and which are either veneered or painted. nicolas and cédric draw on these historic techniques and practices, and the convention handiwork of the ébéniste to envision a collection of furniture offerings with a contemporary twist.

detail of the speaker system inset within the hand-made TV cabinet

the pieces that HERVET-MANUFACTURIER produces take their formal influences from the geometric boldness of modern architecture. each design is made in france using the highest quality woods, metals, glass and leather from around the world; and unique, because each veneer used is different. the designs are produced in only small quantities in order that they ensure the highest standards for every piece that they make. their portfolio to date includes: a bureau, a display case, satellite sound system, a pencil box, yoyo and skateboards.

HERVET-MANUFACTURIER has a gallery in the vendome square area at 8 rue volney between rue de la paix and opera, where visitors are welcome to come by and see their evolving collection of limited edition wood furniture.
‘le bureau’, made in a series of 12

the writing desk has sharp angles, referencing modern architecture
‘le bureau’ features leather inlays, embossed with HERVET-MANUFACTURIER’s insignia
‘la vitrine’ display case, made in a series of 12
coffee table

view of the HERVET-MANUFACTURIER gallery in paris
the gallery space presents the company’s collection of products in a warm setting

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