In the small village of Rieupeyroux in Aveyron we happened upon a small family company of woodworkers, Atelier Milofourmos which goes back three generations. Jean Marty, whose father and grandfather preceded him in the family business,  prides himself on finding and working with the finest raw materials and following the traditional methods of working. The combinations of wood were beautiful and Mr Marty’s obvious delight in explaining the woods with which he works was inspiring. In the cabinet above he worked with mahogany, Norwegian birch wood, sycamore and cherry wood – with Boa skin inlays in the outer cabinet doors. He explained that he had been inspired by his grandfather’s love of the beauty of wood and the skilful art of woodwork. The passing on of tradition in design through the generations keeps alive the original methods and aspirations, while adding a contemporary twist.

This beautiful chair made of solid oak and cherry wood has veneered wood in the seating slats so that the wood has more ‘give’ for the comfort of the sitter. Look at the beautiful leather details at the end of each slat. The pleasure Mr Marty took in explaining his craft reminded us of contemporary cabinetmaker Tony Konovaloff’s quote:

“The things I make may be for others, but how I make them is for me”.

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Detail of a console in solid oak and sycamore wood.

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Guéridon in solid oak and ash wood.

With the exciting momentum created by the innovation of digital design in our contemporary world, it is inspiring to see the older traditions co-existing to forge a valuable continuum.

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Atelier Milofourmos, 12240 Rieupeyroux, Aveyron.