This new series, Design bites, unveil the backstage of contemporary creation. Tackling various topics from personal designer processes to the position of Collectible design on the global design market; these bites offer different views to suit all tastes. Today we talk with Anne Jacquemin Sablon. 

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

Anne Jacquemin Sablon: The hand and the intelligence of the artist, when intervenes in the process from creation to manufacture, allows a perfect reflection of the artist’s demands. It is this perfect match that makes design a collectible design. Mass production doesn’t allow this link between concept and realization to be maintained. Costs and profitability appear in the operation of mass production and influence the final design. By making small series or unique pieces, the artist remains free. He can limit and even stop the production of a piece that no longer corresponds to him. The collector is certain to acquire an original piece, in which he will find the soul of the designer.

“The collector is certain to acquire an original piece, in which he will find the soul of the designer.”

C: An interior designer you dream to work with?

AJS: To me, Vincent Van Duysen is a very inspiring designer. I have a particular admiration for all of his work: a minimalist aesthetic and a very nuanced choice of materials, with a radical yet inspired drawing. I also like the way the flow is treated in his designs. Perspectives, openings, stairs are always perfectly organised. If I could compare Vincent to a painter, it would be to Pierre Soulage. I believe he brings something to contemporary architecture and that his vision will span the ages intact.

C: How did you get into collectible design? Why did you start your gallery?

AJS: My first student job was in an art gallery. I immediately liked this environment, the knowledge of art dealers, their expertise and the enthusiasm of collectors. I ended my law studies and started my career at the Christian Liaigre studio, where I stayed for 10 years. When my husband opened his modern art gallery, I followed him and naturally turned to modern furniture and then contemporary design. I was lucky to immediately have an American clientele who was very receptive and supporting towards the works of French designers that I defended.

C: What is the relation you hold with the designers you work with?

AJS: The gallery and the artists compose a big family, a tribe. Each member has their role to play, this also includes clients, collectors, interior designers who recommend our pieces. We want to support designers and establish excellent communication, which allows work to start upstream of production until the presentation of the pieces. We also encourage collaborations between the various artists of the gallery. We are conscientious of the very great responsibility we take when signing with a designer. We pay particular attention to presenting their works, explaining and documenting them, telling their stories. Our mission also lives in the success in developing their careers and opening up the field of possibilities.

About Anne Jacquemin Sablon (France)

Founded in 2015, Anne Jacquemin Sablon is dedicated to contemporary applied arts and design. It showcases a curated collection of furniture, lighting, accessories, and art designed by established and rising French talents. Proud to promote the excellence of French craftsmanship, every piece of furniture is made in French workshops to achieve its timeless perfection.