Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1521218
In the vestibule of Féau Boiseries headquarters in Paris, the elaborate hand- carved Etruscan-style rooms were inspired by the original neoclassical decor designed for Napoleon by architects Charles Perrier and Pierre-François Fontaine. Below: In the lobby of Féau Boiseries in Paris, carved wall paneling reflects the original Four Continents carving designed by Claude- Nicolas Ledoux. O n a recent trip to Paris for Déco Off, I carved out time to visit the magical Féau Boiseries. Founded in 1875, it's a treasure trove of carved a n d g i l d e d w o o d paneling, and a secret weapon of French designers Jacques Garcia, Jean-Louis Deniot, and Pierre Yovanovich, as well as top U.S. designers Michael S. Smith, Suzanne Tucker, and others. Architects including FÉAU BOISERIES Andrew Skurman design and commission wood paneling decor inspired by authentic historical examples that can be viewed in the dramatic, museum-like Féau atelier. T h i r d - g e n e r a t i o n proprietor Guillaume Féau is devoted to collecting and saving historic room paneling. He shows visitors soaring gilded wood panels, carved wood doors, and masterpieces by Jansen, Cuban mahogany walls by Emilio Terry, rooms made for Madame de Pompadour, and fantasy chinoiserie panels for an 18th-century Parisian library. "Guillaume's collection of historic craftsmanship and artistry is a constant source of inspiration for me and other Paris designers," says Jean-Louis Deniot, who has been working with Féau for more than 20 years. "I love the integrity and inspiration of his collection. I visit his atelier and dream." The Féau archives include Renaissance carved and painted wood panels, Art Deco creations, Louis XVI classical adornments, Japanese lacquer screens, and hundreds of samples of work for Alberto Pinto, Madeleine Castaing, Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, and Jean-Michel Frank. Also on view is French heritage craftsmanship from legendary architects Claude-Nicolas Ledoux and Charles Percier. For Michael Smith's new apartment in Madrid, Féau designed complex gilded wall panels and a riot of vivid chinoiserie flowers in the dazzling dining room. feauboiseries.com. DESIGNER OBSESSION: By Diane Dorrans Saeks