In Paris, France, there's a secret institution where the country's
finest furniture has been kept for over 400 years.
Nestled at number 1 Rue Berbier Du Mets
You find the most accomplished furniture artisans.
The Palace of Versaille
Hôtel Matignon and Palace Elysee
all have something in common.
It's pretty much certain that they have furniture which came from here.
It's just these guys are a little bit shy.
A long time ago,
the French royal palaces were not permanently furnished.
Monarchs would travel from chateau to chateau and their luxurious furniture
would go with them.
In 1604, King Henri IV decided
someone was needed to oversee all of this moving around.
He created a special role the steward of the furniture repository.
They would be responsible for maintaining, transporting
and installing the furniture as it traveled between the residences.
Sound correct?
Great.
Later, from about 1608 onwards, the King sets up
workshops to create high quality goods for royal use.
King Louis XIV particularly saw the potential of these workshops
to create economic prosperity and as a way to compete with foreign imports.
These established France as a world leader in craftsmanship and savoir faire.
The institutions started to come together
and after a few reconfigurations, a prestigious showcase for French
luxury furniture was bought ‘Mobilier National’ came to be.
OK, we’ll hand over to you now.