At the International Cultural Heritage Fair in Paris, illuminator and calligrapher Fabien Pandraud will present the manuscript for which he was awarded the Ateliers d’Art de France 2025 Competition. An age-old know-how now threatened with disappearance.
A master in the art of illumination and calligraphy, Fabien Pandraud perpetuates gestures inherited from the Middle Ages in his workshop, where he combines original creations, personalized orders and the transmission of his know-how. Winner of the Ateliers d’Art de France 2025 Competition, Heritage category, he will present at the International Cultural Heritage Fair, which will take place from October 23 to 26 at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, an exceptional reproduction of a 15th century manuscript.
Illumination today
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During the next International Cultural Heritage Fair, visitors will be able to discover the work which earned Fabien Pandraud to be distinguished this year in the Ateliers d’Art de France Competition: the faithful reproduction of a folio from an illuminated manuscript from the 15th century, a prayer book dated from the 1420s, kept at the Condé museum in Chantilly. But also a selection of his works, such as motifs inspired by medieval manuscripts and creations in a contemporary style. A choice which reflects his desire to show illumination as an ever-living art, capable of dialoguing with the present.
MS 100, a 15th century manuscript kept at the Condé Museum in Chantilly © Fabien Pandraud” class=”size-medium wp-image-206237″/>
The illumination representing Saint John for which Fabien Pandraud was rewarded, according to folio 4V of MS 100, a 15th century manuscript kept at the Condé Museum in Chantilly © Fabien Pandraud
Asked about his expectations for this edition of the Show, he specifies: “My objective is to meet future sponsors and potential buyers by showing that illumination has its place in art today, and to show, in particular to heritage professionals, that it is still produced in a traditional and qualitative manner. But also to build bridges in order to create links between professional illuminators and different heritage institutions. This will perhaps be an opportunity to meet organizations and actors ready to invest alongside me in a project to create professional training. »
The illuminator and calligrapher Fabien Pandraud, winner of the Art de France 2025 Competition in the Heritage category © Fabien Pandraud
Creator and teacher
In his daily life at the Atelier d’Aengus, which he founded in La Foye-Monjault in Deux-Sèvres, he devotes himself to three activities: personalized commissions, original works and work of transmission to all audiences. Workshops, conferences and courses allow him to share traditional gestures with children as well as adults, in schools, libraries, departmental archives or during cultural events.
Application of gilding to the illumination being created © Fabien Pandraud
An early passion
If illumination now occupies his entire universe, the path was winding. It was a book received at the age of 12 that sparked his fascination with illuminated manuscripts. He created his first work as a self-taught artist, before being discouraged by a teacher who considered his talent insufficient. Calligraphy then became his daily field of expression, until decisive encounters brought him back to his initial passion: first a gilder, then especially Claire Biteau-Guillemain, Meilleur Ouvrier de France in illumination, who made him realize that this practice could become a profession. In 2017, he obtained his diploma from ISEEM (Higher European Institute of Illumination and Manuscript), and two years later, founded his workshop.
Tempera painting of the illumination motifs currently being created © Fabien Pandraud
Mineral and plant pigments, iron gall ink, leaf gilding, goose feathers… all these medieval techniques find their place in his works. But more than a simple reproduction of the past, it claims a contemporary artistic approach: illumination as an art object in its own right, at the crossroads of history and creation.
The French Art Workshops Competition
The Ateliers d’Art de France Competition highlights the artistic vitality and the excellence of the know-how of the artistic professions on the national territory: it rewards, within the regions, exceptional pieces created by professionals of great talent. Among the regional winners, two national winners are chosen – one in the Creation category, the other in the Heritage category – which Ateliers d’Art de France supports at its international fairs, thus offering them access to the market and increased visibility.
Ambassador of illumination
“Obtaining the national prize at the Ateliers d’Art de France Competition is a reward and an encouragement to continue along the two paths that I have set for myself. On the one hand, the defense and promotion of professional illumination which fits into our modern world. On the other hand, the hope of seeing quality professional training once again arrive, in order to transmit and perpetuate this art” hopes Fabien Pandraud, while the European Higher Institute of Illumination and Manuscript where he trained closed its doors in 2024.
A personalized order, using traditional illumination techniques © Fabien Pandraud
Two winners exceptionally rewarded this year
For the first time in the history of the Ateliers d’Art de France Competition, the jury rewarded two national winners in the Heritage category: alongside Fabien Pandraud, Héloïse Nice, gilding expert, was acclaimed by the jury. In addition to their achievement, the jury indeed praised the work of the first to promote the profession of illuminator, while the training courses are closing and the category no longer exists in the Meilleur Ouvrier de France competitions, as well as the entire career of the second winner. Their work will be highlighted on the stand of the winners of the Ateliers d’Art de France Competition.
The International Cultural Heritage Exhibition
Organized by Ateliers d’Art de France, the International Cultural Heritage Exhibition welcomes each year more than 300 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 visitors, both general public and professionals, for 4 days at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris. Founded in 1994 and taken over by Ateliers d’Art de France in 2009, the Salon International du Patrimoine Culturel has established itself as the main place for reflection on the heritage sector – its issues, its current affairs, its challenges. Unique in the world, the show illustrates the strength of Artistic Crafts and Heritage in France, it is the reference meeting for heritage stakeholders, professionals and enthusiasts, and brings together and unites all the major players in the sector: professionals in the restoration, safeguarding and enhancement of built and non-built heritage, tangible or intangible.
In 2025, it will be held from October 23 to 26 at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, and highlights the theme “Heritage & Art Deco”.
