In 2016, Fondation d’entreprise Hermès launched Manufacto, the Skills Factory, an educational program created to introduce students of all ages to the world of artisanship. Each year since, the Fondation has continued the program, allowing each annual class to complete twelve sessions taught by experienced craftsmen and women.
Students in participation learn the art of varying crafts, as well as how to handle tools and value hard work, and ultimately complete a project of their own—from start to finish. Today, after much interest over the last four years, Manufacto now encompasses over a thousand students and 43 classes.
A few months ago, the 2019-2020 class began. Students were given the opportunity to create one of thirteen objects—like a leather lamp, a pencil case, a toolbox, or an ottoman—depending on their age range. Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, however, this year’s program has ended early. Due to this abrupt stop, the Fondation created a new initiative, Manufact’Home, in hopes to inspire their students from home.
Manufact’Home invites both the Fondation students and the general public to get creative with what they already have at home. Using household items, the task is to create one of three objects—a stool, a lamp, or a small desk. For the project, three Manufacto artisans have created tutorials for anyone wishing to participate. (As the program is based in France, the program is entirely in French.) So far, the stool and lamp tutorials are available, as and the desk instructions will launch next week. And for those who are interested in participating in next year’s program, the Fondation is currently accepting applications through June 5.
