Hosted by the ICAA Southern California Chapter | 1 AIA CES Learning Unit|Elective
Please join us in welcoming Ateliers Lison de Caunes from Paris to Los Angeles.
Our special evening will trace the history of straw marquetry and that of Ateliers Lison de Caunes, punctuated with anecdotes about the transmission of an exceptional savoir-faire. Notably, she will address the development of the ateliers, their place within contemporary creation, and the collaborations that have shaped their journey. From Hotel Le Meurice to Cartier to exquisite residential projects, their meticulous craft is an evolution of their artisanal excellence. Throughout the talk, Lison will share her story, inspirations, and passion for straw marquetry, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the authentic and creative atmosphere of her ateliers. Straw marquetry is a French tradition dating back to the 17th century. While falling into oblivion for decades, straw marquetry made a resurgence in the 1920's, led by Lison's grandfather, André Groult. Lison de Caunes has made a major contribution to the comeback of straw marquetry in the contemporary decoration.
Speaker:
For Lison de Caunes, straw marquetry is first and foremost a childhood memory. From an early age, she became familiar with this material in the workshop of her grandfather André Groult, a leading Art Deco decorator, during a period when the technique reached its height alongside creators such as Jean-Michel Frank. There, she discovered how imagination and craftsmanship can transform the humblest materials. A passionate heir to this savoir-faire, Lison de Caunes first devoted herself to restoring major works in straw marquetry before turning to contemporary creation. With patience and a distinctive energy, she brought this rare craft out of obscurity and anchored it within a resolutely contemporary aesthetic. Today a Maître d’Art and a key figure in this traditional French craft, she continues an exacting practice of creation and transmission, collaborating with leading interior architects and perpetuating a dialogue between heritage and modernity. She is a Member of the Grands Ateliers de France, Member of Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV), and a Knight of the Legion of Honour.
This event is hosted by an ICAA Chapter. Please check the Chapter website or contact the Chapter directly for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, and pricing.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Discover the history and fundamentals of straw marquetry
Understand the transformation of a humble material into a precious one through the added value of artisanal craftsmanship
Gain insight into the challenges of transmission and sustainability within a craft tradition
Understand the dynamics and challenges of collaboration between artisan, designer, and interior architect