It was André Buchs, who was one of the most famous frame experts in Europe. He had the most beautiful framing shop in Geneva, with hundreds of antique frames he had bought in Italy. I was fortunate enough to be taken into his workshop at the end of his life.

Quite quickly it became evident to me that you have to apply a new design to the ancient techniques. I didn’t want to repeat what other generations had done before. I was fortunate enough to have quite well-off clients who were willing to pay for the trials of good designs.

Throughout history, the artist and the framer worked together to make one thing. If the artist is dead you have to work with your imagination and investigation, and interpret the wishes of the owner of that piece of art. I like being the link between the painter, the framer and the owner.

He brings so many possibilities because his technique is so good that you can ask him practically anything and he thinks it over and finds a way of doing it. He’s so brilliant reading other people’s pictures! I’m fascinated working with him.