History
Since 1920, our workshop has developed and upheld a unique craftsmanship tradition, shaped by a century-old history. Its star product is the outdoor rattan dining chair, holding high the banner of French Excellence and the « Parisian Spirit ».
The success of Maison Gatti was based on the expertise of 3 generations of loyal and able crafstmen, custodians of unmatched quality and exceptional technical skills.
The current manufacturing process meets the same quality requirements for materials and detailed finishings as it did a 100 years ago. This guarantees excellent durability and world-renowned elegance.
1920
The young Joseph Gatti emigrated from Italy and moved to Paris. He creates a unique collection of rattan dining sets destined to the terraces of the Grand Boulevard Brasserie restaurants; light, durable, elegant, these rattan wickerwork chairs are very popular and the rattan craftsmen flock to the French Capital to meet the increasing demand.
1950
After the untimely death of Joseph Gatti, his daughter Odette takes over the workshop. She goes on developing new designs, both original and durable. New weaving materials are tested such as nylon in the 60’s and Rilsan (modified castor beans) in the 80’s.
1992
Hervé and Benoit Maugrion, with their rattan furniture manufacturing background, take over Maison Gatti. They bring their expertise and implement a semi-industrial solution to meet a fast-growing demand. The workshop now offers a wide choice of 80 chair, armchair, stool, bench and planter designs, with more than 30 weaving and colour options.
2019
The company is taken over by Alexis Dyèvre. For a long time Maison Gatti ’s clients had been mostly Parisian restaurants and cafés. It now starts expanding its reach worldwide to work on projects with Interior designers for the hospitality business as well as individual clients.
2022
Christian Louboutin has joined forces with Alexis Dyèvre. In doing so, he has reaffirmed his passion for unique craftsmanship and the intelligence of the hand. His inexhaustible inspiration and his mastery of manufacturing issues will support the development of the House.
Materials
Rattan
Rattan is a south-asian climbing palm tree. Brought back to Europe in the 17th century, its durability and flexibility quickly captured the hearts of furniture manufacturers. Immune to temperature swings and humidity, it is perfect for outdoor furniture.
Many materials are made from Rattan, such as full or perforated weaving, rattan binding, rattan core, cane (to repair traditional wicker chairs).
Rattan production is easily sustainable as rattan trees grow back in 6 to 8 years.
Rilsan
Originally from tropical Africa, Ricinus or castor oil plant, is a shrub, cultivated in many hot and humid countries. Its seed is peeled, crushed and pressed to obtain the oil. It then undergoes many transformations to obtain a polyamide fiber, known as Rilsan, and is produced in France as early on as 1947.
Its resistance to impacts and abrasion, to cold and heat, to humidity and UV rays, make RILSAN an excellent material for Maison Gatti outdoor furniture.
Manufacturing
Maison Gatti manufactures bespoke rattan furniture, following a complex process which requires years of practice and experience. It takes 6 or 7 skilled craftsmen to produce one rattan wickerwork piece of furniture.
It takes about 6 hours, 112 meters of Rilsan and 40 nails, screws and staples to make a chair. Maison Gatti employs 28 craftsmen in the workshops, 34 weaving patterns are available. 10 000 pieces are produced each year.
Carbon neutral
Cutting rattan preserves forest resources. Growing alongside trees in South-East Asia, rattan affects their growth and cutting it down helps to conserve forests.
In 2021, Maison Gatti has purchased 250 trees in the forest of Le Faouet (Morbihan), which it has contracted out to a trusted third party. By creating its own carbon sink, Maison Gatti is offsetting the CO2 emissions linked to the transport of its raw materials.
