Our studio had the privilege of working on the marquetry for L’Observatoire, a carriage created for the legendary Venice Simplon Orient Express train in collaboration with the artist JR. This was our first experience with marquetry, a project as challenging as it was engaging, in partnership with the artisans of Atelier Philippe Allemand.
We began the project by creating a hundred sketches to explore various compositions, adhering to the pre-1940 aesthetic – a requirement tied to the carriage’s status as a historic monument – while incorporating JR’s artistic universe. Each design is filled with intricate details, including hidden references to delight the observant eye.
We worked within specific constraints: only six shades of gray, corresponding to six different wood species, with a few mother-of-pearl spots. To ease the craftsmen’s work, we repeated certain patterns and details across the marquetry pieces to simplify the cutting process.
The craftsmen at Atelier Philippe Allemand spent an entire year meticulously hand-cutting every shape and detail with exceptional skill. Their work transformed our designs into a unique work of art, blending history, creativity, and craftsmanship to make L’Observatoire carriage a true rolling masterpiece. ✺
