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An encounter with Sarah Espeute

Sarah Espeute

The creator of the embroidered linen tablecloth
and guest star of our Spring-Summer 2021 photoshoot, Sarah Espeute is now back to join us for a new collaboration: 10 exclusive tablecloths signed Sarah Espeute x Le Tanneur. We met with the artist-designer in her atelier on Rue Ferrari in Marseille, where Sarah has imagined her Œuvres-Sensibles (‘Sensitive-Works’) for nearly two years.

The artist was born in Arles and raised in Provence, before leaving for Paris, followed by London, then returning to France to open her very own print shop. It was then that she became interested in interior illustration, painting and designing furniture that she imagined bringing to life. “I quickly grew a desire to continue conceiving true design objects.” It was thus that she began mixing her talents for embroidery and
design. Returning to her native South, Sarah went straight to work in heratelier.

Can you tell us more about these Œuvres-Sensibles (‘Sensitive-Works’)?


The idea is to create artistic objects inspired
by everyday life, different from what one normally finds or uses. I strive to create objects that evoke my sensitivity, my way of seeing things, and that people wish to have because of the stories they tell. For this, I sought out various techniques that would allow me to transform my designs into embroidery.

So, how do you proceed?

For the moment, I embroider each tablecloth by
hand, including those of this collaboration. But in learning about the different techniques, I discovered an antique machine called a Cornély, which allows you to embroider
by following the outlines of the design by hand. It is occasionally used in Haute Couture ateliers to create precious objects, and I intend to use it in my
future creations.

And what about you? What fabrics do you use foryour tablecloths?


I love to go hunting for antique tablecloths. I find them more beautiful and resistant. Even if some of them are over 100 years old, they’ve proven their endurance and can still last a good while. It takes me time to find them, inspect them and make my selection, but I find that it’s a truly noble material. Their past only enhances the value and authenticity of my works.

Does temporality hold a significant place inyour works?


Yes, because I like to work with simple, everyday objects that are not subject to the effects of time. I like when time
seems to be suspended, when we can’t tell whether or not the object is old. My creations are thus rather simple and, above all, don’t follow a trend. I want them to endure, and for people to enjoy spending time with them.

Why should someone say yes to your tablecloths?


A tablecloth is a means to dress a table, to allow it to tell a story. I wanted to transform the useful aspect of a tablecloth to give it one that is more decorative, as if it were a new interior décor element. Tablecloths are a bit underestimated in that way. It must be said that, on such a large piece of fabric, one can imagine anything they desire. This approach restores value to the tablecloth, offering it a new dimension. And you can always use it as a functional accessory, as well, if you so wish.

And what would you like to work on next, afterthe tablecloths?

Now that I’m in embroidered linen and tableware, I would really like to continue exploring and expressing my creativity through pieces like placemats, table runners and napkins. There are many types of objects and motifs to envisage. Then, I’d like to return to other interior décor elements like bedspreads, curtains, chairs and cushions. There’s a lot of room for embroidered textiles in interior décor.