Transmission is the meeting point between tradition and creation. Transmitting means pro-creating, putting in place the conditions for the expression of singularity in continuity. The material transformation of an intention in an object is the result of a meeting between a designer and a craftsman, between a know-how and a project. The French know-how societies were born from Colbertism and closely associated with the evolution of French society, accompanying the major sociological changes. In the 19th century, they were adopted by a middle class that demanded to gain a status hitherto reserved for the aristocracy. Their heritage and archives are immense, as is their know-how. They contributed to the century to the extent that they regenerated their forces and raison d'être: a transmission implemented by today's creators. The designer adopts heritage as relevant to today's customs.

This book, to be published for the exhibition of the same name, will not be a mere catalogue but is instead intended as a tribute to excellence in the know-how of leading French firms which have succeeded in reinventing themselves in contact with designers and the unceasing challenges they face. Retracing the history of the most prestigious of these and highlighting their capacity to reinvent themselves by tackling the proposals formulated by the melting-pot of French designers, this volume will also aim to reveal and stress the unique qualities of craftsmanship.