The Life of an Artisan: TRADITION, TRANSMISSION and TRADE. 

Jean Wiart, Les Metalliers Champenois, Master Artisan of Fine Ornamental Metalwork.

Tuesday, June 20th AT THE GENERAL SOCIETY LIBRARY.

The lecture starts at 6:30 P.M.  – RECEPTION TO FOLLOW.

Reflecting on his own career so far, acclaimed Master Artisan of Fine Ornamental Metalwork, Jean Wiart, of Les Metalliers Champenois, will discuss his award-winning work and his creative process. He will also outline the three stages of an artisan’s life: firstly, the tradition and skills of the craft that the new apprentice artisan learns from an experienced artisan; secondly, the commitment of the artisan to developing the trade; and finally, the transmission and sharing of unique knowledge, which is passed from one generation of artisans to the next.

One of Mr. Wiart’s most recent prestigious commissions was the creation of the “Torch of Peace” currently used in ceremonies commemorating WW1 in Northern France.  A short film on this project which succinctly illustrates these three stages of an artisan’s life, will conclude this lecture.

Some of the historic restoration projects where Mr. Wiart’s exquisite craftsmanship can be seen in New York City include:  the Statue of Liberty’s torch and flame; General Sherman Statue, Central Park; Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church spire; the City Hall’s Statue of Justice, the bronze entrance doors of New York Public Library; and the University Club balconies.

From 1975 to 1978, Mr. Wiart served as an apprentice in his family’s metalshop in France. Then, he worked at Les Metalliers Champenois in France.  There, his major historic restoration projects included the balcony rails at Versailles.  In 1986, Mr. Wiart established Les Metalliers Champenois in New Jersey.
 Mr. Wiart is the recipient of numerous U.S. and French honors and medals including the Knight in the French Order of the Legion of Honor.

20 WEST 44th Street (BETWEEN 5TH AND 6th AVENUES), New York City.

As a special celebration of Artisanship, we invite you to be our guest at this event. 

For a reservation, please click here.