Modern history

In our rush for continual advancement we run the risk of neglecting the wellspring of human information gathered over millennia. Luckily, a few dedicated artisans are ensuring that not all knowledge is falling by the wayside.

One such disregarded practice undergoing a renaissance is the manufacture of scagliola a man-made stone developed by 17th-century Italian monks to use in the restoration of their monastery.

Scagliola is an aggregate comprising marble chips or scaglia as they are known in Italy and other materials, that once made, is virtually indistinguishable from the original stone, says Frane§ois & Co founder Thierry Frane§ois.

"Whilst the manufacturing process is very labor intensive, the quality of the finished product, and its adaptability to a wide range of applications, make the stone a popular choice within the residential and commercial construction industries."

Since 1997, Frane§ois & Co has been producing a range of kitchen hoods and mantels made from scagliola. With original designs based on those by period artisans, all Frane§ois & Co products are characteristic of the architectural standards and dimensions of the era they represent.

A recent addition to the Frane§ois & Co range is the Heritage Collection of mantels. Reproductions of original French antique mantels, each piece is hand-carved from limestone reclaimed from chateaux throughout France, says Frane§ois.

"With the introduction of this collection of limestone mantels, we now cover all aspects, appeal and price points of our trade, under the one roof."

For further information, contact Frane§ois & Co, The Galleries at Peachtree Hills, 425 Peachtree Hills Ave, Building 4, Atlanta, GA 30305, phone (404) 842 0941, fax (404) 842 0936, tollfree (866) 385 9486. Email: info@francoisandco.com. Website: www.francoisandco.com.

Or contact, 647 North Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, phone (310) 691 1010, fax (310) 691 1013.

Story by: Trendsideas