Véronique de Brindilles | Saint Germain Boucles de Seine

The profession

Véronique, an artisan metalworker based in Carrières-sur-Seine, founded her Brindilles workshop where she creates decorative objects, signage and metal signs. After nearly 30 years as a graphic designer in magazines and advertising, she felt the need to move from the virtual to the concrete, and naturally steered her career towards the creation of real objects.

Why wrought ironwork?

I’ve explored different materials: wood, fabric, pottery… But metal was a field I knew nothing about and which intrigued me. I started with garden decorations, and had a real revelation: metal offers infinite possibilities!

What fascinates you most?

The duality between creating and making fascinates me. I love conceiving an idea, then realising it with my hands. Seeing a project take shape and exist in the real world is immensely satisfying, and that’s what motivates me to keep going.

Where do you find your inspiration?

The environment plays an essential role. Carrières-sur-Seine is an inspiring place because of its beauty and gentle way of life, which explains the presence of many artists here. I also draw on exhibitions, old signs and simply the weather… Inspiration comes from everywhere!

What’s special about your work?

My work is based on 2D: my silhouettes have to be immediately understandable. It’s a direct visual language. Unlike more industrial ironwork, I work with simple tools that are accessible to any DIYer: saws, knives, files… It’s an authentic craft.

How do you perpetuate a tradition while at the same time innovating?

Old-style signs date back to the Middle Ages, when they enabled illiterate people to identify shops. Today, techniques have evolved, but the charm remains. My role is to capture the essence of this know-how and reinterpret it with a contemporary twist.

A memorable anecdote?

One of my first signs, installed in the Passage Choiseul in Paris, depicts a beautifully proportioned watch. The shopkeeper told me that Japanese tourists photograph it all the time… It’s very gratifying to see your work generate such a buzz!

How does your business fit in with the local area?

The local area is a real breeding ground for the arts. Many artists live here and are aware of the privilege that this exceptional environment represents. In Carrières-sur-Seine, we’ve set up an itinerary called “Au fil de l’art”, enabling the public to discover our studios and our working methods, as well as the charm of the Old Village.

A place or experience in the region that’s a must-see?

I highly recommend a walk along the towpath between Carrières and Chatou. It’s a magical place, lined with barges, populated by cormorants and swans, offering unforgettable sunsets over the Seine.

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