As both a family foundation and a public-interest organization, Fondation Bettencourt Schueller has, since its creation in 1987, been dedicated to empowering talent and contributing to France’s cultural influence. Guided by a philanthropic vision, the foundation supports creative excellence through prizes, grants, tailored support, and collaborative initiatives. To date, it has recognized 676 laureates and supported more than 1,400 projects led by individuals, teams, and organizations.
The Prix Liliane Bettencourt pour l’Intelligence de la Main® reflects the foundation’s forward-looking vision, positioning the métiers d’art not only as guardians of heritage but as vibrant fields shaped by experimentation, innovation, and the transmission of knowledge.
The award-winning projects on view highlight both the excellence of craftsmanship and its dialogue with historical traditions—through technique as well as visual reference. Together, these works reveal a distinctive vision of the crafts, weaving heritage, place, and contemporary creation into a unified narrative.
Meet the Laureates
Jean-Brieuc Chevalier’s screen draws inspiration from the Apocalypse Tapestry at the Château d’Angers, as well as the “mille-fleurs” motifs found in medieval textiles. His work illustrates how historic sites and artistic heritage continue to inform contemporary creation, fostering a dynamic exchange between legacy and reinvention.
The Leatherstone© side table by Elodie Michaud and Rebecca Fezard, crafted from recycled leather offcuts, reflects an environmentally conscious approach to design. Its surface evokes the pale limestone of the region where it was conceived, demonstrating how material, place, and history can be reinterpreted to inspire innovation.
The Musée de la Nacre et de la Tabletterie, recipient of the Parcours prize, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the heritage of tabletterie—the craft of working with mother-of-pearl and other fine materials. By presenting these techniques to contemporary audiences, the museum connects conservation with transmission and anchors the craft within its regional history. The museum is also a place of production, with a working atelier where artisans both transmit and actively practice these crafts.
Coinciding with TEFAF and OUI Design — Villa Albertine’s festival celebrating design — the exhibition highlights the vitality of contemporary craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of French artisanal traditions, a commitment that lies at the heart of Invisible Collection.
We look forward to welcoming you to our New York gallery to discover the award-winning works.
