Artist Marin Montagut has at all times collected objects imbued with a poetic soul that sparks the creativeness. In his travels throughout France, he has met outstanding sellers and passionate amateurs and in his e-book: Extraordinary Collections – French Interiors, Flea Markets, Ateliers, he takes us into the magical world of their extraordinary collections. On this extract, it’s the unimaginable Paris flea markets which might be highlighted as the proper looking floor for treasure seekers and showcase the artwork of amassing – French fashion…
Established on the outskirts of Paris, Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen flea and vintage market is the oldest and largest of its type on this planet. Within the early twentieth century, curious folks started flocking to what had develop into a modern space frequented by artists and writers. Colette got here right here Looking for crystal paperweights to increase her assortment. Yves Tanguy, Alberto Giacometti, and André Breton had been frequent guests to the markets the place, in keeping with Breton, you don’t discover objects, they discover you.
Regularly, new markets mushroomed up on the location, each drawing a special king of buyer. The Paul Bert Serpette, Vernaison, and Dauphine markets, villages in themselves are residence to charming stalls of antiques and designer objects. Cut price hunters head right here looking for uncommon finds, or just to wander by this monumental outside museum that additionally presents foods and drinks. Right here, in locations whose soul and poetry stay intact, collectors will at all times discover one thing to stoke their enthusiasm. There’s something for everybody and each funds, from probably the most helpful of objects to these traded for a handful of cash.
Take a stroll round and also you’ll encounter statues from antiquity to the current day, furnishings from each period, carpets and tapestries, collections of work, and myriad frames-from the quite simple, to finely sculpted or gilded marvels.
Linger at stalls to admire the wealth of textiles: vivid or pale silks, wall hangings, and valuable passementeries, a few of them recovered from the sale of a luxurious lodge.
One of many merchants will allow you to in on a secret of the very best cooks: they purchase their gear right here, the place they know they’re certain to search out kitchen utensils that aren’t obtainable anyplace else. For some prospects, the sight of the stacked cabinets will conjure up childhood recollections of time spent with grandparents: enameled espresso pots, cups and bowls in faience adorned with folksy designs, and a complete wall of espresso grinders. You possibly can even discover old style porcelain, wooden, or Bakelite switches to interchange fashionable electrical equipment.
Marin Montagut is a French illustrator and designer; his Parisian boutique is devoted to whimsical ornamental objects. He’s the creator of Timeless Paris: Ateliers, Emporiums, Savoir Faire and co-author with Ines de la Fressange of Maison: Parisian Stylish at Residence. He has collaborated with manufacturers together with the Café de Flore, the Comédie-Française, Château de Versailles, Pierre Frey, and the Ritz Paris. Pierre Musellec is a way of life photographer; his work appeared in Timeless Paris and the magazines Faire and Milk.
Extraordinary Collections is revealed by Flammarion (ISBN 978-2-08-042198-2)
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