Opening period
All year round.
Mondays to Fridays by appointment.
Description
Meilleur ouvrier de France 1997
Ornamental and statuary sculptor, decoration on woodwork in different styles, creation, restoration.
I create sculptures in wood, plaster and bronze for all types of request.
Philippe DURET has been an established woodcarver for over 30 years. Passionate about his craft, his vocation is to continue the art created by sculptors of past centuries and to pass on their legacy. He began his career in the Fancelli workshops in Alforville, a renowned company specialising in the restoration of historic monuments. In 1997, he was awarded the title of "Un des meilleurs ouvriers de France" in the speciality of wood carving and ornamentation. He works for a wide range of clients, including private individuals, cabinet-makers, architects, woodworkers, the Conservatoire d'Art et d'Histoire and the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. In 2011 and 2019, he will be working on two large-scale projects involving wood panelling modelled on the wardrobe of Louis XVI, and a Louis XIV-style library based on the manuscript room at the BNF in Rue Richelieu, Paris. In 2023, he will take part in the restoration of large frames for the Œil de Bœuf antechamber at the Château de Versailles.
Your provider
As far as I can remember, I've always had a pencil in my hand. There were several times when my father took the pencils out of my hands so that I could do something more 'concrete'. I wanted to be a draughtsman. At the age of 14, I did an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker and at around 21, after military service, I worked as a joiner. I was attracted to wood. So I decided to take a training course in woodcarving in Avignon on individual training leave. I was able to combine my childhood passion for drawing and wood. I then went on to perfect my skills under a qualification contract with a company specialising in restoring woodwork in historic monuments in Paris (Versailles, Matignon, Stalle de St Claude, etc.). During this time, I learnt the rigour of the style of ornamental sculptor. At the same time, I took evening classes at the ateliers beaux arts de la ville de Paris in sculpture and modelling from a live model and at the Union Compagnonnique in art drawing for 4 years. In 1994, I set up my own business in my native village. In 1996, I entered the competition for one of the Best Craftsmen in France, and in 1997 I was promoted to Best Craftsman in France in wood sculpture.
Gestures for the environment
I use local woods and work mainly with hand tools.
Tourism and Disability
- Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance
Environment
- In the country
- 60 chemin des Terrets
- Aviernoz
- Aviernoz
- 74570 Fillière