Estelle Bisson

Upholsterer

©Artesania Bisson

Springboard into craftsmanship

Estelle repairs and revamps chairs and sofas, and runs workshops to teach others
She came to upholstery after a first career in engineering
She studied at École Boulle and apprenticed in several masters' ateliers

Estelle Bisson had always admired the aesthetic dimension of craft, though it felt out of reach for her as an environmental engineer. In 2018 however, she made a major career shift toward craftsmanship. She began working in her father’s carpentry workshop, and soon realised her passion was not entirely in woodworking. With his encouragement, Estelle apprenticed with a master upholsterer and enrolled at École Boulle in Paris. “I fell in love with upholstery. It is very diverse and allows a contemporary aesthetic through textiles,” she says. Estelle relocated to A Coruña in 2021 and opened Atelier Estelle B, where she now serves a growing clientèle seeking quality craftsmanship to preserve heirlooms or revive worn furniture. She is currently working in collaboration with her father to create her own designs.

Interview

©Artesania Bisson

©Artesania Bisson

What environmental engineer skills have you brought to your craft?: I draw on my background in logistics and my ability at managing various tasks simultaneously. Strong organisational skills and a methodical approach have been an advantage in starting my business. Without that professional background, I might not have taken the leap. Starting a venture requires perseverance and perspective.
What earliest memories connect you with upholstery?: I remember sweeping up the shavings and sawdust at my dad’s workshop in my childhood, the strong smell of varnish and thinners. What stays with me is more sensory than visual. It is not so much the shapes of his furniture, but the atmosphere that lingers still.
How do you select your textiles and colour palette?: I have a curated sample of fabrics in my atelier, mostly from France, Spain, Portugal and the UK. I have always been a fan of decor, and I offer my knowledge of trends and aesthetic sensibility to guide my clients. I follow many decorator accounts on social media and magazines like Architectural Digest, El Mueble, and Elle Décor.
What do you consider to be your signature style?: All-white, minimalist interior decor unsettles me! Most consider my decor style to be 'very French'. I use crude linen, floral patterns and a soft shaded palette with a contrasting touch. I also like the mix of vintage furniture with contemporary prints. Textiles offer that versatility. I consider myself very meticulous with finishes, and have a trained eye for small flaws.

Estelle Bisson is a rising star: she began her career in 2018 and she started teaching in 2021