Jean-Brieuc Chevalier –Wood marquetry and embroiderer

Pays de la Loire – 1985

Jean-Brieuc Chevalier is a cabinetmaker, marquetry maker and wood embroiderer. He trained as a cabinetmaker with a CAP in Tréguier, followed by a BMA and a DMA. Faced with a technical issue during his studies, he found a solution through sewing, developing his speciality: marquetry and wood embroidery.

After graduating in 2012, Jean-Brieuc set up his own cabinetmaking workshop. After working alone for five years, he recruited a team to devote himself to wood embroidery, a technique already initiated at school.

Surrounded by a team of 8 people, Jean Brieuc runs his workshop focusing on two main activities. He creates bespoke woodwork and marquetry for prestigious clients including Cartier. He also designs unique works of art, incorporating wood and marquetry embellished with pearl embroidery, combining his mastery of woodwork with his passion for textiles. This distinctive approach led him to create the headboards for the new Orient-Express.

2021 – Finalist for the “Prix pour l’Intelligence de la Main” of the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller with his Cosmo piece

2024 – “Oui Design ! Resonance” programme run by the  Fondation Bettencourt-Schueller at the Villa Albertine

2025 – Laureate of the Prix Liliane Bettencourt for l’Intelligence de la Main

Research and innovation

Drawing on his expertise in cabinetmaking and marquetry, Jean-Brieuc has developed a unique wood embroidery technique. His process involves creating a digital design to precisely map the size and location of each bead. This design is then transferred to a wood veneer, which is drilled and meticulously embroidered by hand. The Cosmo bar, launched in 2021 and designed as a cabinet of curiosities, is the fruit of this innovative process. Demonstrating his dedication to responsible practices, Jean-Brieuc recycles panel scraps for future projects and uses wood offcuts as firewood.

Transmission

Jean-Brieuc Atelier deeply values the importance of training new generations, and the transmission of knowledge is central to its mission. To that end, the workshop welcomes interns and apprentices, from diverse backgrounds, including middle school students, professionals in retraining, students in arts. Three former interns have become full-time employees, a testament to the program’s enriching learning environment.

Jean-Brieuc recently extended his workshop, creating a new workstation for Anthony Julaud, his oldest colleague, to train future apprentices.  Jean-Brieuc is seeking the Foundation‘s support to purchase the tools needed to make this workstation self-sufficient.