EVENT DESCRIPTION
A conversation exploring 3 centuries of the French National Manufactures pushing boundaries and innovations in traditional savoir-faire
Founded under the reign of Louis XIV in 1662 and 1664, the Gobelins and Beauvais manufactories are among the oldest and most prestigious royal workshops in the world. Sèvres is producing some of the world’s finest porcelain since 1740. Their works are held in royal collections, national museums, and diplomatic residences across five continents – enduring ambassadors of craftsmanships that have shaped aesthetic sensibilities around the world.
Since 2025, they operate under the Manufactures nationales, France’s leading public institution dedicated to the promotion of savoir-faire, continuing to create works of the highest excellence.
The conversation will explore major creations, renovations or commissions realised over the years by the artisans of the manufactures, often in collaboration with world-renowned artists and designers.
Villa Haw Par, a heritage site of significant importance in Hong Kong will offer a historical backdrop to a conversation led by Loic Turpin, Director of Development of the Manufactures Nationales, discussing how the 300+ year-old institution is continuing to push boundaries and generate innovations while preserving historical know-how.
Rundown of the event (conducted in English)
6 p.m. – Doors open
6:30p.m. – Introductory remarks by Benjamin Hubin, Deputy Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, and Mr. Julien Loic Garin, Executive Director of Fondation de France Asia
6:35 p.m. – Sharing presentation by Loic Turpin, Director for Development, Communication and International Relations of Les Manufactures nationales, followed by Q&A session
7:30p.m. – Cocktail and networking
Access to the event is complementary, with pre-registration below.
ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER
Loic Turpin, Director for Development, Communication and International Relations of Les Manufactures nationalesAn influential figure in the cultural and artistic scene in France, Loïc Turpin is the Director of Development and Communications at Manufactures nationales, a newly formed entity between the Mobilier National and the Cité de la Céramique, under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture. While committed to preserving expertise and collections dating back to the 17th century across 53 decorative arts, the institution actively fosters contemporary creation and innovation. Turpin’s foundational background in public policy inspired him to become involved in the cultural sector at an early age, at Paris City Hall and later, with the Ministry of Culture. Currently, Turpin oversees and leads structural projects supporting arts and crafts of young creators, affirming the organization’s strategic role in promoting heritage and exporting French cultural engineering.