Julien Hardy

Cabinetmaker

©Julien Hardy

The aesthetics of mechanics

Julien’s furniture celebrates traditional joints
He only works on unique pieces
He is inspired by minimalistic streamlined shapes

As a cabinetmaker, Julien Hardy embraces tradition while anchoring his furniture's aesthetics in the present, striking a note of timelessness. His work is particularly distinctive for its joints, which he makes visible and fully integrates into the design of the pieces. Cabinetry is a passion that Julien discovered after a 20-year career in advertising, working as an art director. Living in Canada at the time, it was there that he initially trained in machine-led cabinetry. Fascinated by the creative process, he then broadened his skills by studying and practising traditional manual techniques, completely self-taught away from the use of machines. Today, in his workshop in Montauban, Julien draws on his dual skills to create bespoke wooden furniture pieces, each one unique, made to last over time and age gracefully.

Interview

©Julien Hardy

©Julien Hardy

How did you come to learn the craft of cabinetry?: I was in Canada, and I was looking for a Spanish class but instead came across an advert for woodworking courses. I decided to give it a try. I truly enjoyed it. Seeing projects come to fruition and take shape quickly was very inspiring. My Spanish, however, did not improve.
How has your practice evolved since then?: I wanted to learn the traditional manual craft, and as there was no existing training at the time, I started to study from books. For 10 years, I practised solely by hand and it was during this time, that I came to enjoy working with joints, and realised their visual power. Unlike the ancient cabinetmakers who tried to hide them, I wanted to show them, so they could make the craftsmanship visible.
What has inspired your style?: Having worked for six years in Canada, the styles there influenced me a lot. I was particularly inspired by the Danish style: an industrial style, which I revisited by re-injecting handcraft into the aesthetics. I am all about purity, I love simple lines.
How do you relate to tradition and innovation in your work?: Tradition is found in all the joints, which I render visible. I try to re-educate the eye to this detail which, from a design point of view, adds a lot to the furniture. So, I marry contemporary design with ancestral traditions. I favour traditional techniques and digital machines do not interest me much. I think they distance the craftsman from the wood.

Julien Hardy is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2010 and he started teaching in 2019