François Gilles, an experienced ornamental sculptor, leads the wood ornamentation training. Best apprentice in France, graduate of the Boulle school, doctor in art history, he works on both historical and contemporary projects.

At the end of the training, the trainee will be able to:

• Learn the traditional techniques of wood sculpture
• Understand the inherent qualities of wood depending on the species
• Master the fundamental gestures of carving
• Learn how to compose a paneling element

Dive into the captivating world of ornamentation during this one-week training course, specially designed for those passionate about creation and elegance. Under the enlightened direction of François Gilles, a renowned ornamental sculptor, this unique experience will allow you to discover the secrets of wood ornamentation.

During this immersive week, learners will be guided through the practical techniques and essential processes of this craft. They will have the opportunity to create their own wooden ornaments, exploring patterns, shapes and details that make ornamentation so rich.

Working closely with François Gilles, trainees will learn to translate their creativity into concrete pieces of ornamentation.

Day 1
Presentation of the profession and techniques
Sharpening
First cutting exercises

Day 2
Brief history of ornamental sculpture
Cutting exercises
Sketches, reference research, plastic research
Wood cutting, drawing transfer
Technical preparation

Day 3
Creation of the bas-relief
Finalization of the support
Time for discussion
Individual monitoring

Day 4
Creation of the bas-relief
Personalized individual monitoring
Evaluation

Day 5
Creation of the bas-relief
Finishing
Collective restitution
Tidying up the workshop

François GILLES is a wood sculptor and art historian. A graduate of the Boulle school, best apprentice in France in sculpture, a former student of the École Normale Supérieure (ENS Cachan), an associate professor in arts and crafts and a doctoral student in art history, he teaches design at the Olivier de Serres school (Paris 15th) and works for contemporary decoration and heritage in his workshop in Yonne. His historical research focuses on the great sculpted decorations of the Ancien Régime and attempts to draw a portrait of the actors who created these decorations in the 17th and 18th centuries, but also of those who destroyed, saved, or collected them in the 19th and 20th centuries. As part of this versatility, he regularly works with museum institutions, and in particular for the Château de Versailles, where he restored, with his colleague Charles Boulnois, the decoration of the Grand Cabinet du Dauphin (1747).

• Workshops equipped with professional machines, classroom, multipurpose room
• Supply of materials
• Individual and collective work
• Workshop work
• Introduction to the operation of tools, initiation to their maintenance and their safe use
• Technical, theoretical content and professional approach to the know-how taught
• Active participation and experimentation of participants is favored

• Individual and group interviews
• Design file to be completed (framework provided)
• Acquisition of basic carpentry techniques
• Self-assessment at the end of training in the form of a group restitution
• Sign-in sheet per half-day
• Certificate of completion issued by Campus MaNa