Located at the heart of the Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle was built in 1681 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Louis XIV’s favorite architect and a reference of French classicism. This spectacular building once hosted members of Europe’s political and cultural […]
Renovation – French Classic Style
Airelles Château de Versailles
Located at the heart of the Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle was built in 1681 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Louis XIV’s favorite architect and a reference of French classicism. This spectacular building once hosted members of Europe’s political and cultural elite, from ambassadors to artists, musicians, writers and scientists of the Enlightenment.
More than two centuries later, after a complete restoration, Le Grand Contrôle is reborn to reveal to its guests the exclusive world of the Château de Versailles.
We were honored to participate in this prestigious renovation.
The historic lounges and the 14 rooms and suites restored in accordance with the original spirit were decorated with tapestries.
The walls of the Historic Lounges were adorned with decorative panels framed by brass moldings. Patterned borders on the perimeter emphasize the wainscoting. The central parts in plain fabric highlight the sconces and paintings.
The walls of the rooms and suites have been traditionally treated with tapestries, delimited by lacquer patina picture rails. The fabrics have all been custom woven according to the historical data from the Pierre Frey Studio.
The challenge required by Christophe Tollemer’s and the client’s teams was not only to match with high precision the tapestries drawings with the curtains, doors under the tapestries, and attic walls, but also to respect the various technical details required by the complexity of the rooms.
Only the meticulous care and expert manual dexterity of our companions could bring this high-precision work to a successful conclusion.
Interior Architect: Christophe Tollemer
Photo credits: Renee Kemps
