The Studio
Founded in Reims in the 17th century, the Atelier Simon-Marq studio perpetuates the excellence of a craftmanship savoir-faire. The experience, practice, and ingenuity of the master glassmakers have been passed down from generation to generation, for almost 400 years...
A dynasty of master glassmakers
In 1640, Pierre Simon created a small painted enamel glass, his corporation masterpiece, marking the beginning of a long family lineage of illustrious master glassmakers. Over the generations, the workshop has evolved with the art of stained glass for almost 400 years. Since the 1950s, the Atelier Simon-Marq studio has put its expertise at the service of renowned contemporary artists, offering its artistic sensitivity and technical mastery. Thus, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, as well as more recently Maria-Helena Vieira da Silva, Raoul Ubac, David Tremlett, Jean-Paul Agosti, or Hans Erni have brought souls and colors to numerous religious and civil buildings.
A colorful precious repository
Once they meet the mark of excellence, the Atelier Simon-Marq undertakes all projects related to stained glass, from the most original to the most classic. It has at its disposal a unique palette of over 1,100 shades. The Saint-Just glassworks provide us with a large number of mouth-blown glass plates. Thus, for twelve generations, an unparalleled stock of glass sheets has supplied the craftsmen to serve the best traditional and contemporary techniques of the art of stained glass.
A driving force
Passionate business leaders committed to preserving the cultural heritage of Champagne, Philippe Varin and Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger could not remain indifferent to the existence of the Atelier Simon-Marq workshop. Teaming up with members of the Simon family, they took over this prestigious institution to open up new horizons. Under the direction of Sarah Walbaum, the Studio can rely on a strong team of craftsmen led by Anne-Catherine Perreau. It continues its ancestral dual mission: preserving ancient stained glass and enhancing spaces with colors and light.
A remarkable site
Since January 2021, the Simon-Marq Workshop has moved in the Sacré-Cœur Church in Reims with the project of opening it to visitors.
Visits to the studio
We currently offer private tours of the workshop for pre-formed groups. Step behind the scenes and let us tell you the story of centuries past. Families, associations, foundations, and businesses, contact Laura Gonzalez to organize a tailor-made visit experience: visites@vitrauxsimonmarq.com / +33 6 83 43 18 89.
Providence
Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, who took over the Atelier Simon-Marq with Philippe Varin, dreamed of giving the company, whose image is both traditional and modern, a new home in a contemporary church. Thanks to the dioceses of Reims, his dream has been realised.
A remarkable setting
Designed by André Gaston and Yves Michel in the 1950s, the Eglise du Sacré-Cœur is a symbol of reconstruction in a city ravaged by war. It elevates concrete to the status of a noble material for architecture. When it was inaugurated in 1959, visitors discovered Charles Marq’s admirable stained glass windows: a foreshadowing of the studio’s destiny.
A learning environment
Antoine Devillers, the architect in charge of the project, also initiated a fruitful partnership with the BTP CFA Marne training centre headed by Arnaud Gouilly-Fortin. Apprentices from the centre did the paintwork and installed the new flooring. To help them, the manufacturers of innovative products such as thermal insulation paint and acoustic flooring came to provide the necessary on-site training. This was a highly motivating initiative for the students, aware that their work forms part of a genuine, long-term project.
A federation of local partners
All the materials used for the interior refurbishment of the Sacré-Cœur Church are locally sourced. PACE, a family firm of architects based in Reims (see photo), was able to bring together a number of regional partners to carry out the renovation of the building and to add the amenities required by both the craftspeople working here and the general public.
Warm thanks
A number of VERY GENEROUS partners have been involved in this project. We would like to offer them our warmest thanks: PACE Architectes, BTP CFA Marne, DEMATHIEU & BARD, LEGRAND, IGUZZINI, SCENEO, FORBO, SOPALOR et LAURAGAIS, CAMPA ET NOIROT, BRESSAN, EGE, SOREDEM-LEBEAU, PETITJEAN PEINTURE, and BIP PRO
Media Library
The Spirit of the “Atelier” in Reims
Discover the backstage of our workshop in 1 minute and 30 seconds with music, its gestures, its sounds, and its soul. Immerse yourself in the depths of our creation and craftsmanship! Directed by Romuald Ducros, Original music by Matthieu Rondeau.
Introducing the Atelier
Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, Chairman of Atelier Simon-Marq, and Managing director Marine Rondeau present the company, which was established in Reims in 1640.
Meeting Bruno Paupette on TF1
Feature on the Atelier Simon-Marq and the stained-glass maker Bruno Paupette, presented by Vincent Dietsch and broadcast during the TF1 lunchtime news on 26 January 2021.
Jean-Paul Agosti’s creations
A video with musical soundtrack on the creation of Jean-Paul Agosti’s stained glass windows for the Chapelle Saint-Joseph in Reims, which were made and installed by our studio in 2014.
Blown glass panels
> Discover hand-blown glass making
A special partner of our studio and the only company of its kind in France, the Saint-Just factory has been producing hand-blown glass of the highest quality since 1826.