Le Mobilier national holds a special place in French culture and in the history of design. Since the seventeenth century, this institution like no other has been committed to the conservation and restoration of unique collections across the globe. Formerly the Crown’s furniture storehouse, (Garde-Meuble de la Couronne), the institution has spent almost four centuries continually enriching its collections of pieces that represent their era whilst supporting arts and crafts. With an eye to the future, Le Mobilier national’s research and creation workshop (ARC) promotes contemporary design and creation in France: the best-known designers from the last sixty years have conceived iconic pieces in partnership with this unique workshop.
At Invisible Collection, we are thrilled and delighted to partner with a heritage institution whose mission of preserving and promoting the distinctive French aesthetic has been a great inspiration to us. Thanks to the institution’s work, the country’s most treasured buildings – including the presidential palace and Versailles – display an incredible mix of rare, perfectly restored antique furniture pieces and relevant contemporary designs that reflect the creativity of today – arguably the iconic designs of tomorrow. Mobilier national’s commitment to contemporary design and creation is something we are equally passionate about. It’s a very special moment for us to be acknowledged by such a revered institution and given access to their permanent collection: we are excited to showcase this selection of unique designs from their 2021 Campagne d’acquisition on our platform.
What is Campagne d’acquisition? In 2020, Le Mobilier national mobilized to support art and design by launching an unprecedented call for submissions to acquire exceptional pieces from designers and galleries. Some of these selected works are already displayed in iconic official locations such as the Élysée Palace. In the 2021 acquisition campaign, 53 items (seats, light fixtures, desks, etc.) created by 31 designers were added to Le Mobilier national’s collections. The wealth of offerings and the diversity and originality of the pieces selected mirror the vitality of the creative arts in France: these items will constitute the cultural heritage of tomorrow.
To mark the exceptional nature of the collaboration, we are staging an exhibition open to the public throughout Paris Déco Off and Maison&Objet. The limited-edition designs will be displayed in the storied, otherworldly rooms of Féau Boiseries. The fantastic setting of rare, antique wood paneling, decorative mouldings and gilded silk screens is the perfect backdrop for the ultra-contemporary pieces on show: how befittingly poetic to witness centuries of French artistry and design coming together in one location.
Highlights from the collection include the L’Ecoucheur bench by Pauline Esparon, the Contraste table by Space Factory, Clay Bones Bookcase by Niveau Zero Atelier, Mille-Feuilles daybed by Mr. & Mr and the Galerie Gosserez Emergence 2 Floor Lamp by Diane de Kergal. These pieces, alongside the full offering from the 2021 Campagne d’acquisition collection, epitomize the vitality and creativity of French contemporary design. These limited-edition pieces will be integrated into the national collections and exhibited in institutional buildings across the globe: we are so proud to present them and make them available for purchase through Invisible Collection… Enjoy with us the privilege of witnessing history of design in the making.
Mobilier national x Invisible Collection: the exhibition at Féau Boiseries is open to the public throughout Paris Déco Off and Maison&Objet, book your visit.
Discover the full collection.
