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Atelier Vime

This new strong trend is no coincidence though; behind the wicker’s revival stands a duo of passionate tastemakers who founded Atelier Vime – a word deriving from the Latin noun vimen that means both a slender woody shoot and a basket. Anthony Watson and Benoît Rauzy fell in love with wicker when they moved to Vallabrègues, a village in the South of France known for its longstanding tradition of making wicker using the reed harvested in the nearby region of Camargue. First, they started to collect important 20thcentury wicker and rattan pieces, then they decided to get more involved with the local artisans by creating their own original pieces and start up a collection.

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Background

Established in Vallabrègues in Le Gard County – a region in the South of France- the Atelier Vime lies at the heart of the rich history of wickerwork developed in this Provence village. Since immemorial times, the wicker culture and work have been the main trades occupying the people of this peninsula bordering the Rhône River, between Arles and Saint Rémy de Provence. Vallabrègues counted as much as 450 wicker workers out of its 1800 inhabitants during the 18th century. The historic arts & craft trade was extinct when Anthony Watson and Benoit Rauzy, Atelier Vime’s founders, acquired the «hotel Drujon», a wonderful mansion built in the Provencal style. To this day, numerous records still attest to the high level of artisanship cultivated on the property for close to 150 years. The workshop set in 1878 in this mansion, had a large courtyard bordered by a typical Uzès-styled facade. Originally built in 1730 for an affluent family, the building overlooked the Rhone River and counted a great number of employees, and was equipped with three soaking ponds for the fresh wicker. Watson, Rauzy and Hanley started to learn more about wicker and, given their passion for antiques, they began collecting 20th century vintage rattan and wicker pieces. Today, Atelier Vime offers a great selection of vintage articles, including furniture, made of wicker, rattan or cord. Weather signed by famous designers (Janine Abraham, Charlotte Perriand, Tito Agnoli, Louis Sognot, Audoux-Minnet…) or more anonymous artists, the items presented in their vintage section pay homage to the creative variety and timeless poetry born from the meticulous craftsmanship of these ecological materials.

Showstoppers

Considered the go-to place for finding extraordinary pieces that pair beautifully with any contemporary décor, major designers and interior decorators – Pierre Yovanovitch and Charles Zana to name a few – call upon Atelier Vime to find a special item from the existing collections, or order bespoke furniture. Regardless of the design’s complexity, customers will find the best artisans to turn a sketch into a beautiful piece. Moreover, Atelier Vime has gathered an impressive archive of the most beautiful creations from different eras, so that people can look at past works and find new inspirations…

 

Signature Style

Besides collecting vintage, Atelier Vime started an original collection. From a few objects such as mirrors and light fixtures, the collection has grown, into an impeccable display of Atelier Vime’s aesthetic and taste. Showcasing some irresistible hand-woven furniture – including tables, folding screens, and some whimsical lampshades – for each piece, the contemporary feel blends perfectly with an original “Provence” touch, making the collection a true example of unique taste informed by an ancient know-how.

Socially Responsible & Eco-Friendly

Atelier Vime’s collections draw on the expertise and traditions of artisans and wicker growers thus directly contributing to the preservation of the local ecosystem.

 

Credits Photo Thierry Bouët

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