All photographs courtesy of Antoinette Poisson.
Amidst the city’s rich history and artistic flair lies a hidden haven of artistry that might go sorely missed. Holding court inside a quintessential Parisian courtyard in the 11th arrondissement is the beautiful flagship store and workshop of À Paris Chez Antoinette Poisson.
Founded by Vincent Farelly and Jean-Baptiste Martin, both heritage restorers, the duo have made it their mission to breathe new life into a forgotten craft – the art of domino paper. Using this 18th century technique, which involves printing and coloring by hand, Antoinette Poisson breathes the intimacy and intricacy of a bygone era — when exquisite wallpaper adorned the walls of aristocratic salons — back into contemporary spaces around the world, all with meticulous attention to detail.
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Read on to immerse yourself in Antoinette Poisson‘s world of captivating craftsmanship where luxury interiors and mindful practises elegantly intertwine.
Meet the Founders
The duo embarked on their journey in 2012, inspired by a chance discovery while restoring a historic residence in Auvergne.
It was amidst the old walls of the historic home where Farelly and Martin stumbled upon fragments of domino paper, a delicate and intricate hand-painted wallpaper that had been concealed beneath layers of accumulated history. Intrigued by this discovery, they soon became passionately invested in resurrecting, preserving and revitalising this centuries-old art form.
In homage to the Marquise de Pompadour, King Louis XV’s mistress (commonly known as Madame de Pompadour), a fervent admirer of art and wallpaper, Vincent and Jean-Baptiste christened their brand using her real name, “À Paris chez Antoinette Poisson“.
Behind the Brand
At the heart of Antoinette Poisson lies an ardent commitment to preserving the tradition of handcrafted paper and textiles. Each piece is meticulously brought into being using techniques passed down through generations, making no compromise on quality or authenticity.
Slow craftsmanship is also valued, and the company forgoes mass production to ensure that every creation bears the marks of the artist who created it.
Responsibly sourced materials and eco-friendly processes also contribute to their ethos, imbuing the brand with a timeless elegance that transcends fleeting trends.
Inside À Paris Chez Antoinette Poisson
Upon entering, the boutique reveals its soul through the expansive Orangerie windows, offering an enchanting peek into the workshop – the very essence of the brand’s savoir-faire. Within this captivating space, a graceful dance of block printing unfolds, as papers gently find their form along the hanging ropes. The artisans’ hands move with precision, breathing life into the art form through stencil and freehand coloring at a grand craft table.
The boutique is a true treasure trove. Striking wallpaper, printed linens, perfumes, stationery, and a collection of handcrafted decorative objects grace the shelves, drawing the attention from one exquisite find to the next. Although each piece is steeped in history, they always remains vibrant and alive.
For connoisseurs of beauty and those with a penchant for the exceptional, A Paris chez Antoinette Poisson offers an immersive experience, as well as a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship that resonates across centuries.
With its captivating allure, this boutique stands as a testament to the enduring charm of Parisian savoir-faire, where objects and art forms seem to transcend time.
Address:
12 Rue St Sabin
75011 Paris
France