Laurine Malengreau

Felt maker

©Zoé Forget

©Sophie Zénon

©Camille Hervouet

©Grégory Valton

Walls of wonder

Laurine masters the Nuno Silk technique
She merges oriental influences with local influences
She creates striking colourful wall hangings

Laurine Malengreau lives in Aubusson, in the Creuse Department, inscribed by UNESCO in the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. In 1665 it became part of the Manufacture Royale des Tapisseries. Laurine’s art is inspired by this context, as she searches for the subtle balance between harmony of gesture, blend of colours and the selection of precious materials. Silk and wool are the ingredients for the magical wall hangings she creates. No glue, but the Nuno Silk technique which she learned from her Spanish master 12 years ago. "I dress walls. starting from the traditional French wall hanging of ancient bourgeois residences, I reinterpret it according to my technique and my taste," Laurine explains.

Interview

©Camille Hervouet

©Camille Hervouet

When did you start your craft?: I’ve always loved art and design. But the turning point was in 2009 in Madrid, when my teacher of silk painting, Carmen Escolano, introduced me to Nuno Silk, a technique from Asia that involves no sewing or weaving to combine merino wool and natural silk.
What is the Nuno Silk technique?: It binds loose fibre into a sheer fabric such as silk gauze, creating a lightweight felt. Nuno felting often incorporates several layers combined to build up colour, texture, and design elements in the finished fabric.
Which is the most complex part of your craft?: Creating the range of colours. It's crucial; everything starts from it. According to the ranges selected, I create the colour and material palette that will highlight the interiors of the project, from the most intimate to the most spacious.
Is your craft endangered?: Not really, but it's important to be financially strong enough to make yourself known. In my field, meeting and working with architects is crucial. You must create your own circle of clients. For this, you need to be patient, constant and reliable.

Laurine Malengreau is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2008 and she started teaching in 2019