
From the book: "Do not be a slave to history: I promise you that Grandma's blah, dark-stained oak credenza will look so much sexier with a high-contrast ceruse finish!"
Growing up in his father's antiques store in Fayence, a small town in the heart of France's Provence region, Christophe Pourny acquired a taste for furniture early on. He relocated to New York City by way of Paris some decades ago, after an apprenticeship at his famed uncle's shop on the Rue Jacob in Paris. Nowadays, he restores Louis XIV armoires and mid-Century banquettes for the likes of Martha Stewart (who happened to pen the book's foreword, quelle surprise) and Uma Thurman. The artisan also furthered his brand by selling his own line of natural polishes and tonics, gloss finishes, and leather serums—some of which were featured in the Financial Times' "How To Spend It". More recently, Pourny released his first book, The Furniture Bible.

Filled with childhood anecdotes and years of hard-earned wisdom (oui, mistakes do happen over the years), the book is an immersive read that allows genuine hobbyists—and casual readers—to further their interest and know-how in furniture restoration. Pourny's own enchanting watercolors and cheeky drawings compare antique table legs to mens' fashions through the ages, and the author renders weekend–long tasks into Sunday morning funnies. All jokes aside, the book is thorough. From breaking down traditional horsehair upholstery, to encompassing veneer repair—and not bypassing wax techniques, mon dieu—The Furniture Bible makes both an incredible, informative read as well as a beautiful addition to the coffee table.


