Biologist above all, I then learnt a variety of techniques around the theme of Natural History. It begins with small taxidermy, like naturalists of yesteryear, but combining traditional and modern techniques. Then, casting, modeling, sculpture and painting allow either the copy of any item or pure creation, always with the aim of hyper-realism.

Finally, restorer' skills are necessary to conserve and restore degraded items, whatever the reasons and state of conservation. For objects with high heritage value, processes have to deal with invasiveness and reversibility requirements. It is also advisable not to skew the original work, the hand of the craftsman/artist or the patina, even if it means limiting the extent of the intervention. Restoration is not necessarily synonymous with making new again.

Displaying is an important step that requires other know-how from wood- and metalwork. Finesse and equilibrium are the keywords.