David Léger

ERRIAPE

Marble worker

©Guillaume Rivière Atelier ERRIAPE David Léger

©Helene Hebrard_Atelier ERRIAPE David Léger

Spotlight on French marble

David has worked on prestigious historical monuments
He sculpts a renowned type of marble from Occitanie
He cares about the transmission of his craft

David Léger is the founder of Erriape, a workshop dedicated to the creation, conservation and restoration of works of art made of marble. Between the traditional skills of a stonemason and the artistic expression of a sculptor, his work explores marble in all its splendour. David started stone masonry at the age of 16. For over a decade, he learned the craft in Paris, where he worked on major restoration sites, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Eager to perfect his art, he joined the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara, Italy, and graduated in statuary marble. Only recently did he discover the Grand Antique d’Aubert, a magnificent black and white marble that instantly won his heart. In his sculptures of harmonious lines, David reflects on the voluptuous variation in light and shadow.

Interview

©Guillaume Rivière Atelier ERRIAPE David Léger

©Guillaume Rivière Atelier ERRIAPE David Léger

When did you first think about becoming a stonemason?: I went to see the HQ of the Compagnons du Devoir in Paris where the work of each companion is displayed. That is how I came to choose my craft. The first stroke of the chisel on stone was a revelation for me.
In what way is your craft linked to the territory?: The French region of Occitanie has beautiful marble quarries and is the leading region for natural stone production in France. At Erriape, our preferred marble is the Grand Antique d'Aubert, from the nearby Ariège region. I favour locally-sourced raw materials.
How are tradition and innovation expressed in your work?: In my work, you can feel the weight of my knowledge in the field of marble, which is linked to traditions and to the teaching I received to achieve what I do now. The innovation part is the one that drives us forwards every day.
Could your profession be considered in danger?: Of course it is in danger. Marble has every possible disadvantage working against it: weight (1 cubic metre of marble weighs 2.7 tonnes), noise, dust you breathe in, transport, a raw material which is a luxury product, working outdoors, and expensive tools.

David Léger is a master artisan: he began his career in 1991 and he started teaching in 2008