A historic paint manufacturer, Ressource is a family-run business above all. Now headed by Daniel Chauvin and his daughter Pauline, this “colour merchant” company, founded in 1946, shakes up the decorating market with its bold collections and its paint, made in France. American Vintage decided to work with these essential artisans to dress up each of its stores with a raw matt texture effect and a very mineral finish. Interview.
How would you describe Ressource’s know-how?
We are one of the last independent French paint manufacturers. In 1946, our great-grandfather created the Société Provençale du Blanc Fixe, des Ocres et Couleurs. He sourced his materials from the ochre quarries of Roussillon in the Provence region, one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world. Early on, this anchored the company in a culture of mineral-origin, and therefore natural, pigments and colours, well before it became a trend. We are now labelled as an “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (“Living Heritage Company”). For the last three years, we have developed our own paint and wallpaper collections.
Coloured walls from the collaboration between Ressource and Sarah Lavoine.
How did you carry the company into the 21st century?
We focused on desirable and ultra-creative collaborations, such as those with Philippe Model, Robert Gervais, Serge Bensimon and Sarah Lavoine. In all, we invented over 900 exclusive colours throughout our history. And our range continues to expand with new original shades. Recently, the Yves Klein archives commissioned us to develop the Yves Klein® shade. It’s a real honour to be able to transform this legendary blue into wall paint.
“Peacock” wallpaper from the Ressource Faune & Flore collection.
Can you explain your eco-friendly approach?
We have our own manufacturing company, which allows us to avoid waste, and our wallpaper is printed with the most eco-friendly ink on the market. Recently, we brought historical lime paint, which is preservative-free, back to centre stage. We also pay close attention to our choice of partners, collaborating with companies such as the young furniture start-up TipToe. Like them, we are inspired by old-fashioned techniques and natural materials to create unique, sustainable and beautiful objects and decoration.
A wall coated with Ressource lime paint.
AMV Journal is a space dedicated to encounters, discovery and travel. Every week, explore the musts, portraits and inspirations of American Vintage and its creation studio.