Looking back on 25 years of the ‘Maître d’Art’ title

In 2019, the title of “Maître d’Art” (Master of Art), created by the French Ministry of Culture, celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Since 1994, 141 Maîtres d’Art representing more than 100 different crafts have been honoured with this title in recognition for their unique savoir‐faire in rare trades. The title was inspired by Japan’s “Living National Treasures”, and likewise the Maîtres d’Art pass on their exceptional craftsmanship.

“The title of Maître d’Art has become a vehicle for transmission, which helps to safeguard and promote the living heritage and local development. It ensures the preservation of almost a hundred trades that embody our country’s heritage and creativity, and aims to pass on crafts, and a love for them, to the next generation.”

Franck Riester, French Minister of Culture

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the Association des Maîtres d’Art organised an exhibition at the Hôtel de l’Industrie in Paris, from 13 to 15 December 2019, showcasing the excellence of French craftsmanship and its tradition of passing on savoir‐faire.

The Fondation Rémy Cointreau was invited to the launch of this fantastic event both as a partner and sponsor of the Association des Maîtres d’Art et de leurs Élèves (AMAE). The foundation supports craftspeople and their students in helping to preserve and promote fine crafts.

Dominique Hériard‐Dubreuil, Chair of the Foundation, accompanied by Board members Agnès Lamoureux, David Caméo, Stanislas de Quercize and Hervé Dumesny, as well as by Executive Director Caroline Martin‐Rilhac, were all delighted to attend.

39 Maîtres d’Arts showcased their savoir‐faire through their exhibited works, demonstrated their expertise, and took part in meetings, conferences and concerts centred on the worlds of fashion, jewellery, music and interior design.

For this event, the Maîtres d’Art invited 10 studios from the Meisterrat, in Berlin, including the Meissen Royal Manufactory, and a “Living National Treasure” from Japan, namely Master Kunihiko Moriguchi.

Here are a few photos of this event.

From left to right, Kunihiko Moriguchi, Living National Treasure from Japan, Masato Kitera, Japanese Ambassador to France, Marcelle Guillet‐Lubrano, Honorary Chair of the AMAE, Dominique Hériard‐Dubreuil, Chair of the Fondation Rémy Cointreau, Yves Benoit, Chairman of the AMAE.

Gabrielle Mass, Former First Deputy to the Mayor of Paris Jacques Chirac, responsible for Industry, Fashion, Design and Artistic Careers (photo on the left). From left to right Didier Trutt, Chairman of Imprimerie Nationale, Dominique Hériard‐Dubreuil, Chair of the Rémy Cointreau Foundation, and Maître d’Art Jacques Loire (photo on the right).

Works created by Maître d’Art Anne Hoguet, fan maker, and Maître d’Art Erhard Stiefel, mask maker.