French design is renowned the world over. Nowadays, however, when we think of Gallic creativity, we are most likely to think of catwalks, perfumes and perhaps architecture. Once upon a time, France was most famous for another area of design – furniture. The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in particular were years of great popularity for French furniture, with styles named for Kings and Queens (Louis XV, Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette) and periods in history (Regency, the Directory, the Empire) leading the way. Taillardat (http://www.taillardat.fr) is a contemporary exponent of these styles. This French company combines craftsmanship of the highest quality, top-class materials and a respect for tradition to produce modern-day…
