New in Fougères: with Velvet, Julien Barbier dresses old seats

Julien Barbier has opened a tapestry workshop on Place du Marchix, called Velvet.

Julien Barbier, a young craftsman, always wanted to do a manual job. “When I was 12, my parents bought an old house. There was an old armchair that I patched up with the nails lying around and a piece of fabric. I liked it a lot”.

His vocation was born, Julien began his apprenticeship a few years later in order to obtain a technical trades certificate, option upholsterer-decorator. He then spent six months in London to discover the English technique and learn the language before being hired in Paris in the Artimas workshop.

“I stayed there for six years and I did some very nice projects there in embassies, ministries, castles and fashion houses. I worked with great decorators and a recognized designer »

"I give them a facelift"

Now based in Fougères, Julien is delighted with his workplace, "bright and calm" in which he has a workshop and a showroom where he exhibits a wide choice of fabrics that he offers for sale. “I also do wall hangings and soon curtains,” he adds.

On the workshop side, the creator of Velvet dresses up old furniture, “extends their usefulness, their soul. These are objects that have stood the test of time, I give them a facelift so that they start again for several years”.

The repair is done according to the traditional method, with horsehair, if the seats are old, and according to the modern method, with foam, if they are contemporary.

“You have to know how to adapt, you often have surprises. When stripping the seat, you may find broken or worm-eaten wood. I correct the small faults myself, otherwise I call in a carpenter”.

The upholsterer says he has to be patient, “you have to be persistent, you often struggle with the material, but you are in contact, you sculpt it, you make it evolve,” he smiles.

If walkers pass by the Place du Marchix, they will no doubt be able to see Julien, seeds (small spikes) in his mouth and ramponneau (upholsterer's hammer) in his hand through the large windows of Velvet: "We must not hesitate to enter. I like the idea of ​​showing my profession”

Velvet tapestry workshop. 8 Marchix square. Tel 07 77 07 86 23. For individuals and professionals

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