SPEAKERS: NATACHA RAGUET
ISABELLE GÉRARD
An engineer by training, Isabelle has had several professional lives. After working for 18 years in process engineering in the cosmetics industry, she joined the French education system as a teacher before taking on a new role as a continuing education advisor at GRETA CDMA. In particular, she is responsible for developing the Jewellery portfolio.
ERIC DESPIERRE
After 40 years with Christofle, I've acquired solid experience in goldsmithing and the decorative arts.
At the start of my career, I was quickly introduced to die engraving. I followed a Christofle training course for several years to learn the ancestral skills of the best engravers and toolmakers in the goldsmith's and silversmith's trade. After a few years as workshop manager in this discipline, I wanted to manage Christofle's flagship haute orfèvrerie workshop, and then very quickly go back to basics and learn a second craft, goldsmithing in the restoration of antique pieces. I've been lucky enough to work on exceptional pieces for major museums such as Orsay and the Pasteur collection, as well as for grand hotels and private collections.
I practised this profession for 12 years, during which time I was able to develop my passion for silversmithing and the history of the decorative arts.
Today, I'm in charge of the transmission of know-how, where I've set up a richer apprenticeship system to serve the goldsmith's and silversmith's trades. My passion for Christofle and my knowledge of the trade enable me to instil in young talent this privileged position of ‘being a player in the French decorative arts’.