Archives for July 2012

An artisan in Versailles: Laurent Hissier

I want to share an inspiring story about the current head of the gilding restoration department at the Chateau de Versailles, France, Laurent Hissier.   This man has become a master with humble beginnings.  I know this can be a common story, but this is special. In 1990, Laurent Hissier was hired as a night watchman […]

Faux marble in L.A. with Jean Sable

One of our NYC designers commissioned my company, Grand Illusion Decorative Painting, Inc., to paint faux marble on all molding in a newly renovated living space. The Spanish, mission-style house is nestled in the hills of northern LA in a well-known part of town. The designer was going for an Italian-French 18th century interior, right […]