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Sophie Fourmaux

  • Lamp maker
  • Elancourt, France
  • Rising Star
Sophie Fourmaux Lamp maker
Contact
French, English
Hours:
By appointment only
Phone:
+33 617963766
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When paper meets light

  • • Working with paper is part of Sophie’s DNA
  • • She used to work in events, and clients inspired her to change jobs
  • • She uses laminated Japanese and Nepalese paper

After 15 years in the events sector, Sophie Fourmaux became inspired by her clients and decided to become a lampshade maker in 2015. Rummaging through flea markets as a child, Sophie started collecting lamps early on. She believes this craft to be in her DNA, since paper has been central to her family's heritage through printing and cardboard manufacturing. In fact, her grandmother made models of artisan workshops out of papier mâché in the 19th century. After travelling around France to exhibit her work in trade fares and concept stores, Sophie opened her own workshop in 2019 and plans on starting to train apprentices in 2021. Art Deco and haute couture are Sophie’s main sources of inspiration.

Read the full interview

Works

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Photo: © BMD
Conical lampshade

This modern conical lampshade with steep sides is a fit for all kinds of lamps. It is made to measure out of laminated Japanese paper, Sophie Fourmaux’s specialisation. The red, light pink and blue flower motif of the Japanese paper in Catlaya Red gives an Art Nouveau style to the lamp, while modernising it at the same time. The lampshade is a perfect mix of function and decoration.

Diameter 24 cm
Height 24 cm

Photo: © BMD
Oval cut-away lampshade

This oval cut-away lampshade is a very practical shape for lamps placed on narrow furniture. According to Sophie Fourmaux, it is best used on a desk, a console, or a sofa side table. The laminated Japanese paper used here has a golden wave pattern on a navy blue background. The beautiful motif sparks as much emotion with the light turned on as off. When the lampshade is lit, the navy blue colour turns into an electric blue.

Diameter 35 cm
Height 27 cm

Photo: © BMD
La Lanterne

This lantern, an original model by Sophie Fourmaux, is designed for a table lamp. It is made of its two signature parts: a central cylinder and an exterior cylinder made out of turquoise paper with a golden wave motif, cut into strips by hand. Two different types of paper have been chosen in order to play with the light, which is diffused by the central cylinder and reflected inside the exterior cylinder strips.

Diameter 18 cm
Height 40 cm

Photo: © BMD
The Spoutnik

The Spoutnik lampshade is another Sophie Fourmaux signature piece. This model is made to measure with one or two black and golden laminated Japanese papers in order to play with the light and its reflections. The hand cut strips of the exterior cylinder are condensed and arch outwards, creating an umbrella shape. It can be placed on a modern lamp stand, a floor lamp or a hanging lamp.

Diameter 20 cm
Height 25 cm

Enjoy an experience with Sophie Fourmaux

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