Marin Montagut’s book Timeless Paris | Ateliers, Emporiums, Savoir Faire is one of those books you’ll look at time and again. It’s brimming with exquisite photos, and so much detail that each time you look, you see something new. It’s like taking a secret journey through old Paris via its most authentic, historic shops…
Visit timeless Paris
From the moment you open the book, the antique marbled effect opening pages (an artistic book cover effect that’s been in use for many centuries) and luxurious paper let you know you’re in for a treat.
Marin Montagut is an artist and designer with a boutique in Paris that’s dedicated to whimsical things (I promise you it’s impossible not to fall in love with this little shop). His unique understanding of the charms, the importance, and the history of these stores and studios brings the book to life. Through his historical notes and anecdotes, truly stunning photos, and gorgeous artwork (there are 355 illustration), the book takes you to 19 rather hidden studios and shops. Here you’ll discover the artisans who handcraft and sell ravishing things from textiles to antiques and artists accoutrements. Shops and studios where little has changed in decades or centuries.
Shops that are like stepping into the past
Discover Passementerie Verrier which has been selling textiles since 1753. They are the last dedicated trimmings shop left in Paris and make the most beautiful curtain tiebacks – reminiscent of Versailles. And Maison Sennelier where Degas, Cezanne and Picasso bought their paints and crayons and where David Hockney, who now lives in Normandy, is a regular visitor. Maison Soubrier is an antiques shop that is more like a museum Degas’s graceful dancers were drawn with pigments from the Maison de Pastel, which has hand rolled a mesmerising palette of colours according to their secret trademarked formula since 1720. Fashion designers have chosen from the thousands of hat trimmings, buttons, ribbons, and sumptuous fabrics in stock at Ultramod since 1832.
Secret Paris
I thought I knew Paris well but the book is an eye opener for lovers of beautiful things, of history. It’s a glimpse into the Paris of the Belle Epoque, of the time of Louis XIV. It will inspire you to visit a secret part of Paris that most people don’t even know exists, and have you daydreaming of decking out your home with the most beautiful things that Paris can offer…
Timeless Paris | Ateliers, Emporiums, Savoir Faire by Marin Montagut is published by Flammarion, October 2021 (ISBN 978-2-08-020698-5). This beautiful book is available from online bookshops and book shops everywhere (ask them to order it in if it’s not in stock). In Paris, pick up a copy at Marin’s Ma Boutique, 48 rue Madame, 6th arrondissement (a stone’s throw from Luxembourg Gardens, Musée de Luxembourg end).
