In order to unique pieces or simply Aven'Curieux, take the time to visit the workshops of these artisans who have gold at their fingertips, to admire their work and, why not, to participate in internships to learn their techniques.
Artisans make unique objects by reproducing ancestral gestures. Inspired, these exceptional talents shape noble or natural materials thanks to the intelligence of the hand. Their recipe: heart in the work, attention to materials, sense of execution and extra soul.
I'll take you with me on a journey to the heart of local know-how, destination the hidden treasures of Grand Châtellerault. An incomparable opportunity to go behind the scenes of creation and meet enthusiasts who perpetuate traditional crafts.
On the occasion of the annual Rouge et Or event in Angles on the Anglin, I wanted to shine the spotlight on three artisans from this “Most Beautiful Villages of France” and surrounding areas.
Fashion designer
Valérie Bacquet
It is in a charming alleyway of Angles-sur-Anglin that the warm workshop of Valérie Bacquet is nestled. The stylist and model maker designs, patterns and custom-makes old linen shirts, perfectly fitting trousers and even wedding dresses!
In love with beautiful materials, Valérie makes original creations using a pair of carbon scissors, a serger and a sewing machine.
« I never take measurements ", confides this instinctive seamstress who prefers to work by touch and to concentrate on the personality of her clients.
At the age of 10, the Norman woman already looked at designer clothes with stars in her eyes. Freshly graduated from ESMOD, she opened a workshop-boutique in Rouen in 1983 with three friends. Then the adventure continued alone in Eure, Pays d'Auge, Senegal... Until her arrival 8 years ago in the Anglin valley.
His motto inspired by Barjavel: “ The useless is indispensable… ». And yet her colored linen aprons are as beautiful as they are practical!
4 rue de Tournon in Angles-sur-l'Anglin
• Visits to the workshop-boutique by appointment at +06 (79)63 19 06 XNUMX XNUMX
• Courses for individuals upon registration (group of 4 people maximum, duration of 3 days minimum)
• Our tip : Valérie also offers guest rooms named La Forge in his tastefully restored house.
Hatter
Eliane Roulet-Rochette
For Éliane, it all started at the age of 8 in the thermal park of La Roche-Posay. A spa guest took the child under her wing and taught her to sew.
Sixty years later, the hat maker has become an essential figure of Grand Châtellerault thanks to its workshop-boutique and its involvement in community life.
It is therefore an important page that is about to be turned on December 29 with the end of his professional activity.
Textile material appears as the common thread in Éliane's career, which began as a costume designer and historical reenactment animator. During a parade in the Nîmes arenas, the designer found herself making paper headgear. One thing led to another, and she took part in the Estivales du Chapeau in Caussade and then, encouraged by her peers, became a cut-sewn-armature milliner.
Its strong point: “ Reversible hats to bring joy to heads with comfort ».
In 2008, the artisan settled in Angles-sur-l'Anglin where she creates unique clothing and accessories. Ten years later, the workshop-boutique The Oculus opens its doors in the center of the upper town. Éliane presents her productions as well as those of other artists and craftsmen selected for their mastery and their universe.
You have until the end of the year to visit this Ali Baba's cave. Because 2025 will mark the time for a well-deserved rest for the vivacious Éliane.
The Oculus 1 rue d'Enfer in Angles-sur-l'Anglin
Open Thursday to Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 14:30 p.m. to 18 p.m. until December 29, 2024
Cutler
Adrien Boulmer
At the end of a dirt road, in the commune of Vicq-sur-Gartempe, seven short kilometers from Angles-sur-l'Anglin, I discover Adrien Boulmer's workshop.
The spirit of transmission floats over the place. Thanks to Michel Delanghe first. Since it is by meeting this cutler at work here that the idea of a reconversion germinates in Adrien's head.
The former stonemason trained alongside the soon-to-be-retired craftsman and bought his equipment, then obtained his diploma at the CFA Barbezieux. Today, Adrien teaches there in turn and regularly welcomes trainees.
On the technical side, the fine blade of Vicq-sur-Gartempe stands out from his mentor. Because if he appreciates creating exceptional pieces like the Damascus models, folding pocket knives mechanism have become his specialty. His hit: The Pictave and its combination of satin stainless steel blade and textured copper handle.
As a teacher, the forty-something explains to me that "you can be a cutler without being a blacksmith." As far as he's concerned, forging represents a quarter of his activity. The rest of the time, after having drawn the model, he shapes it on his machines, particularly using hydraulic energy. A belt sander, drill, polishing wheel and tempering furnace are his everyday tools.
Sensing my surprise at the deer antlers in the shed, Adrien clarifies: “ Cutlery is not just about working with steel. It is also about the materials used to make the handles: from natural materials such as cow horns to synthetic materials such as Micarta. »
Where to buy your knives?
• On site at 22 La Balière 86260 Vicq-sur-Gartempe
• At the Le Grand Atelier museum shop in Châtellerault
• At the Oculus in Angles-sur-l'Anglin
• In cutlery fairs and art craft markets
And also :
• Free workshop visits, by appointment (duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour)
• 1 to 3 day courses (from 280€ per person)
• Sharpening and maintenance of knives
Public chat the Grand Châtellerault crafts route, discover many other talents, from the stained glass artist to the cabinetmaker and leatherworker…
ARTISANS' GOOD DEALS
In Angles-sur-l'Anglin
• hikes Certes et Passing by Remerle
• L’Anglin, for swimming at the foot of the bridge and canoe trips (rental from Canoeist)
• carriage rides with At the Step of Cadence (photo opposite)
In Vicq-sur-Gartempe
• the delicacies of Serenity Biscuits
• organic beef fromOlivier Neuvy
• the restaurant O Bouchon Vicquois (photo opposite)
Themes
