In Thiers, the cradle of the art of cutlery, certain workshops open discreetly to those who know how to push open the door. Far from the hustle and bustle, these encounters take place in a calm, privileged atmosphere.
Jean-Pierre Raynaud followed them into the field, notebook and camera in hand, starting by pushing open the door of Atelier 1515, at Manu Laplace’s home.
Behind the ramparts, an ephemeral setting
Every year at Atelier 1515, Manu Laplace transforms his space near the ramparts into an ephemeral showroom. Entirely decorated with antiques, the workshop becomes an intimate showroom where loyal customers and visiting collectors are welcomed from Friday to Sunday.
Inside, visitors discover a selection of pieces displayed in showcases. These include several emblematic collections by Manu Laplace, such as Primitive, Inuit, 1900, Chambord, Masai and Globetrotter. Each is carefully unveiled by Manu, his partner Stéphanie or their gloved collaborators, Jérôme and Florian.
The workshop as a journey, between material and imagination
In the transformed workshop, history and travel permeate the premises. In the foreground, the Signatures collection catches the eye with its buffalo bone handles and bolsters made from noble materials such as scalded beech, ebony, reindeer bone, mother-of-pearl and turquoise.
A little further on, the showroom takes on the look of a luxury jewelry store, complete with bar, and also features a kitchen collection inspired by Michelin-starred chefs. In this well-appointed setting, Manu Laplace takes the time to meet his customers individually, in a calm and privileged atmosphere. Meanwhile, Jérôme unveils the Jules Verne collection bookcase, a showpiece scrimshaw-engraved by Ellia Jouveaux.
The Jules Verne odyssey in cutlery
As the visit continues, one piece stands out from the rest: the book-case dedicated to Jules Verne, the result of a collaboration with engraver Ellia Jouveaux. The box contains a collection of exceptional knives, each designed to illustrate a famous novel such as Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Voyage Around the Earth, From the Earth to the Moon or The Mysterious Island.
All share a common line, with a liner-type mechanism, a Vegas Forge Damascus blade and a warthog ivory handle. Yet each piece asserts its singularity through unique details, making the whole as coherent as it is singular.
From one workshop to the next, the passion continues
Backstage at Coutellia, some cutlers prefer peace and quiet to crowds. After this stop at Manu Laplace, our roadmap takes a new turn. Another workshop opens up to us. The world of Benjamin Laraud and Pierre Thomas, united under the name Ôdae, promises an equally inspiring sequel.
This visit is just the first step in a journey to discover rare places, where each workshop tells the story of a different way of receiving, transmitting and creating.
Stopover at Atelier 1515
Atelier 1515
Rue Camille Joubert – 63300 Thiers
04 73 51 44 93
www.atelier1515.com
