Nicolas Pinon

He is inexhaustible about his work as a lacquerer. From his origins at the École Boulle, where he discovered surface decoration by chance, including lacquering, because he was unable to join the marquetry workshop, a discipline that fascinated him, to his taking over of a workshop on rue de Montreuil in Paris, Nicolas Pinon wants to tell it all. For each step corresponds to a further degree in his unequalled knowledge of the techniques related to lacquer. His trips to Japan are among the most important chapters. During the first one, in 2006, he met craftsmen specialised in his favourite material. During the second, in 2007, he spent three months immersed in the home of a master: "a crazy experience! ». On his return, Nicolas found it difficult to make a living from his art. He works for others who prefer gold leaf and patinas.

It was not until 2014 that he decided to devote himself to lacquer again, when he learned that the lacquerer Jacques Lee wanted to give up his workshop. Things will not be easy and he will only get the keys in 2017. Since then, he focuses on all facets of vegetable lacquer, kintsugi and puts a contemporary and European touch in these ancestral and oriental practices. Galleries, designers, artists... all flock to him. However, they must respect Nicolas' principles: "In a world where everything goes fast, my clients must understand that lacquering takes time. I am the one who sets the timing for the best. "Such enthusiasm naturally goes hand in hand with transmission. Nicolas teaches at the Greta and the École Boulle and organises courses in his workshop for people who are passionate about Japanese know-how.