Hervé Obligi – Master of Art hard stone marquetry, glyptician sculptor

Ile-de-France – 1956

At the age of 17, Hervé studied cabinetmaking and woodcarving in Tours. He perfected his technique in wood marquetry, before turning to stone marquetry. Trained to carve hard stone by Claude Durand, he became a lapidary sculptor in 1974. In 1985, he set up his workshop in Montreuil, where he developed a business creating and restoring stone objects, seeing it as a way of studying old techniques and know-how.

An expert in glyptics and fine stone engraving, Hervé is renowned for his collection of writing instruments, graphic and sculptural objects. As a designer of contemporary furniture, he combines graphic design and precious materials. He produces unique pieces and limited series, and collaborates with luxury brands such as Hermès, Boucheron, Piaget and Cartier. His restoration expertise is sought by antique dealers, museums like the Château de Versailles and the Louvre, and auction houses like Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Artcurial.

2010 – EPV Label.

2015 – Title “Master of Art in hard stone marquetry”

2018 – Homo Faber in Venice

2022 – Talent of Originality from the Centre du Luxe et de la Création.

2023 – Académie des savoir-faire Hermès – La pierre

Research and innovation

To source stones, he uses different approaches: online platforms, trips abroad, the essential Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines Mineral Show, and his network, which is invaluable in a gemstone market regularly impacted by geopolitical tensions. Driven by his desire to learn, Hervé is currently interested in flint knapping, studying Neolithic techniques from Grand Pressigny.

Transmission

Given the lack of formal stone marquetry training programs in France, Hervé has been passing on his knowledge since he opened his workshop. He welcomes trainees of all levels, from middle school students to students from the School of Fine Arts and has trained laureate of the Savoir-Faire en Transmission prize.

Hervé’s commitment to education extends beyond his workshop; he has been teaching at the National Heritage Institute since 1996 and collaborating with the Versailles arts and crafts campus on the “Matières à penser” program since 2024. That same year, he contributed to “Les 101 mots des métiers d’art” (The 101 Words of Arts and Crafts), concluding the chapter “Le temps d’un rêve” with an inspiring call to “acquire the wisdom of taming the material.”

Today, Hervé needs to replace some of his machines, worn out by extensive use and the Foundation is supporting him in the acquisition of a new slab saw.