Lison de caunes

After studying at Union centrale des Arts décoratifsLison de Caunes devotes herself to the art of straw marquetry, carrying on the tradition of her grandfather, the decorator André Groult. Now a specialist in this technique, she is rehabilitating these poetic practices by restoring furniture and objects from the past. 17th century until the Art Deco. She has organised a number of exhibitions, written books on straw marquetry and taken part in many events to highlight this humble yet luxurious material, which illuminates the most contemporary furniture with its shimmer. She creates commissioned furniture, home accessories and wall panels for interior designers and architects. In 2015, she launched Lison de Caunes CréationsThe company has also launched its own line of straw marquetry furniture.

French tradition Dating back to the 17th century, straw marquetry fell into oblivion for decades. By devoting itself to the restoration antique objectsLison de Caunes has made a major contribution to the comeback of straw marquetry in the contemporary decoration.
Over the centuries, this craft has attracted many enthusiasts and professionals. The poor relation of wood marquetryIt was used both by markers than by religiousand sailors and convictsIt gave rise to a very rich craft industry, particularly in France, but also in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Straw marquetry enjoyed a new boom in the 1920s with Jean-Michel Frank and André Groultgrandfather of Lison de Caunes. At the time, it was used by leading Art Deco designers to upholster walls, furniture, screens and more.
Jean Royère was the last decorator to use straw marquetry after the war.

The straw used is rye strawOnce considered the "gold of the poor", with its silky touch and shimmering reflections, it has the privilege of being an abundant and inexpensive material. It is grown and harvested in the traditional way in Burgundy (France). Straw is dried and tintedEach rod is then split in two, glued to its matt side and flattened with a folding machine onto a support (wood, metal, glass, etc.).
Straw has a silica varnish which makes it hard-wearing and waterproof. It is a solid material that resists heat and water, but is sensitive to the sun's rays when it has been dyed. Straw marquetry takes time, care and imagination.
Straw, derived from wheat, rye or oats, has served many purposes and continues to satisfy many needs: fertiliser for the soil, cob walling, animal feed and bedding, chairs, packaging and hats... But it was transcended when craftsmen thought of using it to make objets d'art and decorative motifs.

In recent years, decorators and designers have become increasingly interested in straw marquetry.
For 30 years, Ateliers Lison de Caunes has specialised exclusively in straw marquetry. All production takes place in the Paris workshops with a team of 8 people, generally recruited from cabinet-making schools such as theÉcole Boulle or Institut Saint-Luc Tournai or trained directly in the workshops.
Within the company, the following are carried out creations by Lison de Caunes, as well as projects in collaboration with renowned interior architects and designers for private customers or prestigious public venues in France and abroad.
The Ateliers are also responsible for restoration of antique objects or furniture from theDecorative art.