This series, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth, unveils the backstage of contemporary creation. Tackling various topics from personal designer processes to the position of collectible design on the global design market, COLLECTIBLE In-Depth offers different views to suit all tastes. Today we speak with Thomas Morineau Barthelemy.

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COLLECTIBLE: What do you think collectible design brings compared to other more massively produced pieces?

Thomas Morineau Barthelemy: The concept of a concise, numbered series provides an excellent foundation for fostering a highly intimate connection with the product, whether as a designer, craftsman, or user. Above all, the concept phase, free of technical or industrial production concerns, is immensely enjoyable and elegant in its approach.

C: Can you talk about a new piece / collection that you release for COLLECTIBLE this year?

TMB: "La Taulo e l'Oustau," which translates to "the table and the home" in the Provençal dialect, marks the continuation of my journey in Furniture Design, which began at the Design Parade Toulon 2022. MOB001 La Taulo, which garnered attention, has inspired further creations. The entire family will be unveiled for the first time as a complete collection in an exclusive format, specially curated for the Collectible Fair 2024.

C: What are the key questions you ask yourself before starting to conceptualize a new piece?

TMB: I'm inherently instinctive in my approach! I firmly believe that the more questions you pose to yourself at the outset of a drawing, the greater the complexities and problem-solving involved. Each piece in the collection originates from an instinctive sketch. The collaboration with a craftsman starts at this stage and continues through to production. This partnership enriches the drawing process, resulting in a final piece that is a pure expression of collaboration within an iterative approach. This is our commitment at Geste.s.

C: Are you more result or process oriented?

TMB:  Completely "process oriented" !! What is the "result" if not a "successful process" ?