18e aux sources du design, Chateau de Versailles

Making good use of a long flight connection in Paris by visiting this intimate exhibition at the Chateau de Versaille. See link here: http://www.chateauversailles.fr/les-actualites-du-domaine/evenements/evenements/expositions/18e-aux-sources-du-design/design/quelques-chefs-duvre-1

I was quite intrigued by the idea put forward that 18e century might be a revolution in design as well: that styles like Louis XV and XVI styles could be seen as a novelty means a bit of mental gymnastics but it very true. Learned quite a lot about furniture styles that are now widely represented by Chinese-made caricatures of them, enjoyed the scenography and the lack of crowds, and was very much impressed by the hours of work put into some of the most intricate pieces of furniture presented that demanded a 10 minute video in order to show the extend and complexity of the mechanisms running the hidden drawers, doors, etc… There was also a presentation of Ecole Boulle’s student’s work and it is comforting to see that this tradition is still alive: this level of craftsmanship is one of France’s treasure and should be preserved as such.