Mitry-Mory: A Hub for Carpenter Workshop Gallery’s Artistic Innovation and Preservation
Loic Le Gaillard and Julien Lombrail launched Mitry-Mory in 2016 as a dedicated space for artisans. Located on the outskirts of Paris, the sprawling 8,000-square-meter workshop has become one of the most exciting places in the world for the production of pieces of contemporary functional art. Providing designers, mechanics and craftspeople with the opportunity to experiment with new materials and processes, as well as offering a hub for the preservation of dying practices of craftsmanship, the workshop brings together some of the most innovative artists working today.
The vision behind Mitry-Mory
Mitry-Mory was launched as a creative hub dedicated to the preservation and innovation of craft, supporting artisans across all disciplines from wax and metal casting to woodwork, patination and upholstery. Loic Le Gaillard and Julien Lombrail have built a space that supports artists at all stages of the creative process while doing the vital work of preserving traditional artisanal skills for future generations of creators. Particular emphasis is placed on training young artisans in these disciplines in order to pass down knowledge through generations. This unique combination of both preservation and innovation is at the core of Mitry-Mory’s mission.
A collaborative environment
Mitry-Mory exists as a collaborative environment where artists and artisans work together to bring their visions and functional artworks to life. The workshop provides a space for experimentation and creativity, giving artisans the space and tools they need to push the boundaries of their mediums.
Preservation of artisanal techniques
In an era where mass production and digital technologies dominate, Mitry-Mory acts as a sanctuary for time-honoured craftsmanship. The workshop enables a diverse group of highly skilled artisans to develop their skills in woodworking, metalworking and textiles – traditional methods that are at risk of falling by the wayside in an increasingly automated and standardised world. The techniques preserved here are meticulously maintained and passed down through generations
Artistic research and innovation
Mitry-Mory is also a space for artistic research and innovation, which is developed alongside the collective’s preservation mission. Artists at Mitry-Mory are encouraged to experiment with new materials and techniques, ideally by blending the traditional methods they’ve learned with new contemporary themes and approaches. This leads to the creation of groundbreaking art that challenges conventional boundaries.
Hand-finished art pieces
Hand finishing is a hallmark of the work produced at Mitry-Mory. Every piece that goes out from the collective’s workshop has passed under the hands of some of the world’s most skilled artisans and bears the unique marks of having been serviced by a master craftsman. Every piece is unique and can often be visually identified as the work of a specific master working at Mitry-Mory. Artisans in residence create pieces that are not only of a high aesthetic value, but are also imbued with the personal touch that comes from many hours of dedicated work.
Carpenters Workshop Gallery’s role
Since its inception, Mitry-Mory has become the heart of the work of relationship with Carpenters Workshop Gallery, both of which are founded by Loic Le Gaillard and Julien Lombrail. Carpenters Workshop Gallery supports the work at Mitry-Mory and provides the artisans with a prominent platform to showcase their work to a global audience.
Impact on the art world
The work produced at Mitry-Mory has had a significant impact on the art world, and has continued to influence artists and collectors of fine art around the world. The workshop’s dedication to innovation and the preservation of artisanal techniques has inspired a renewed interest in handcrafted art, particularly within traditional joinery, finishing and design. Whether it’s created at the workshop or overseas, collectors are increasingly seeking out pieces that reflect the unique blend of traditional and contemporary practices championed by Mitry-Mory.
Fostering a global community
Mitry-Mory is more than a local community of like-minded artisans and innovators, it’s also a creative hub that fosters a growing global community. Artists and artisans from around the world have visited the workshop to share their skills and to learn new techniques from others. This exchange of knowledge enriches the creative processes at Mitry-Mory, forging personal relationships that foster continued innovation and excitement amongst skilled craftsmen on every continent.
The future of Mitry-Mory
Looking ahead, Mitry-Mory aims to continue its mission of preserving traditional methods and innovating new artisanal techniques. The workshop has plans to expand its reach by welcoming more artists from widening geographical and artistic backgrounds.
The collective at Mitry-Mory
Mitry-Mory’s unique approach to blending traditional artisanal techniques with contemporary art practices has marked it as a distinctive location within the global art community. Through collaboration, research and a commitment to the highest standards of craftsmanship, Mitry-Mory is building a future while continuing to honour the past.