Treasures I Found in a Brass Studio / Parisian Love Correspondence

I love browsing flea markets and the specialized tool shops that still remain in Paris. I look at the parts and think, "What could I use this for...?" or I buy them just to admire them. Buttons, lace, brass parts, chandelier crystals, thread, ribbon... To some people it might be junk, but to me it's a source of inspiration and something precious to keep in my treasure chest. This time, I'll take you to a secret place that an embroidery artist told me about: a brass shop!

Located in the North Marais district, Artmetal is a brass atelier where savoir-faire (master craftsmanship) has been thriving for over 150 years. Their oldest mold dates back to 1829. They still manufacture a wide variety of items, from jewelry, fashion buttons, and military buttons to leather goods, lighting, furniture, and commemorative coins, at their own factory in Savigny-le-Temple.

The staff kindly explained the store's structure and history. "This is a showroom where you can actually pick up and examine samples. If you find something you like, we can check the stock with the factory, and if it's in stock, you can purchase it. Brass parts are ordered in quantities of 25 or more. If we don't have any in stock, we can manufacture and order them in quantities of 300 or more, which can be a large number for an individual, but we can discuss it. We have some incredibly beautiful pieces, including stunning Art Deco and Art Nouveau pieces that are over 150 years old, which even surprises us. If you have the time, please do visit our factory in Savigny-le-Temple."

With over 12 samples, the company continues to inspire and provide dreams to creators. Its clients include costume jewelry designers, fashion creators, haute couture tailors, costume designers for opera, film, and theater, military designers, and even international interior decorators, all of whom place great trust in the company.

When I first entered the shop, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number and beauty of the items. I couldn't even choose anything; I was simply stunned and just gazed at them. I even forgot to take pictures, and I was so engrossed that it felt like I was in an art museum. After taking a deep breath, I slowly made my way through the booths featuring flower and plant motifs, as I am particularly drawn to those. "What could I make with these? Should I use them as objects for painting? Or, as the embroidery artist suggested, maybe I could sew them onto clothes or bags..." As I pondered these questions, more and more things caught my eye.

"All of our raw parts are made from lead- and nickel-free brass. Furthermore, we have adopted a policy that emphasizes sustainable development, and we manufacture our products with environmental considerations in mind." Hearing this from the shopkeeper, I became even more interested in their commitment to environmental protection.

While answering phone orders from all over the world, the shop staff moved to the button section and, as I was seriously examining the products, they told me a lot about the history of the items.

"In fact, our company has inherited that history and technology. Since 1814, many of our beautiful buttons have been engraved with the unique mark of "TW&W Paris"—namely, the initials of the founders at the time: Treron (T), Weldon (W), and Weil (W). TW&W Paris is the oldest existing metal button manufacturer, which changed its name to "Coinderoux" in 1904 and was succeeded by JANVIER (the parent company of R-Metal) in 2008. From buttons for Napoleon's army uniforms to those for modern haute couture, every shape and material tells a story of history."

From now on, whenever I look at buttons at a flea market, I'll definitely be checking the markings on the back. Just like ceramics, buttons have a deep history and background. And the techniques and spirit are still being passed down without interruption—that's true "savoir-faire" (master craftsmanship).

I love visiting studios, so next time I'd like to visit a factory. Please look forward to my report on that as well!

TAKANAKA MASAE
Currently working as a fashion coordinator and stylist for magazines and advertisements.
I've lived in Paris for 20 years now, and I patrol the streets of Paris by bicycle every day.

Instagram: Mobile Vase Shop @cabin.e.dream

Everyday life in Paris: @massaetakanaka