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Luxembourg might be a small country but it is positively teeming with talent.
This fact emerged from the exhibition «De Mains de Maîtres», the first of its kind, a celebration
of Art and Design featuring almost fifty artists and artisans working in and around the Grand
Duchy, which took place in December 2016.
What a joy it is to discover, or rediscover, such a wonderful array of creativity and know-how.
At the same time, it is not really a surprise given that the Grand Duchy sits at the very heart of
Europe, open culturally to each of its neighbours and eager for exchange and discovery.
Boasting a rich ceramics tradition with the Villeroy et Boch company and a major steelmaking
centre throughout the twentieth century, Luxembourg has transformed itself and embraced
the digital, space and new technology sectors. For all that, it has not turned its back on its craft
tradition, which plays a vital role in the development of such a firmly rooted art de vivre that
has always enjoyed the respect of the entire European continent.
The nine artists and designers invited to “Le Banquet” are testament to this. Cultivating the
rare and the beautiful, they are driven by the same fine impulse to constantly push the limits
of their techniques. An opportunity for these men and women to pass on their know-how, in
keeping with tradition, but also beyond that, to look ahead and imagine what their art, their
craft, could become in the future.
Let us also pay tribute to the unfailing commitment of Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince
Guillaume and Crown Princess Stéphanie who, relentlessly and with conviction, champion
these crafts, too often undervalued, to give them back the place and recognition they deserve,
not just in Luxembourg but also, as here today, in Paris, and, we can be certain, in other major
European capitals in the future.
And finally, how wonderful it is to see Luxembourg’s creativity take centre stage
internationally, and that we have this opportunity to share with all generations these few
works displaying the passion and excellence of their makers.
Jean-Marc DIMANCHE
Exhibition Curator
LUXEMBOURG
AT THE CENTRE OF EUROPE