Family
In Paris, a Behind the Scenes Look into the Intimate 21 cm Literary Programme.
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Augustin Trapenard
Augustin Trapenard is on a roll. We love hearing his voice in the morning on France Inter and seeing his blue eyes on the 21cm TV set in the Canal + TV programme devoted to culture launched a year and a half ago. It’s a very personal setting because the programme is actually filmed in the literary commentator’s home. Like Patti Smith – the show’s first guest – many of the guests have enjoyed the comfort of a Chesterfield, where a few of the books from the maestro’s immense collection are occasionally to be found. He likes to think of the collection as a tableau that frames the ultimate piece in his interior: a Seeburg V200 jukebox. This little treasure, which houses a record collection ranging from Joni Mitchell to Barbara, rapidly became the leitmotif of the life of Augustin and his faithful cocker spaniel, Jean-François.
Discover Augustin Trapenard’s unique world in our self-published book,
. An anthology of the most impressive interior glimpses throughout the history of our medium, available in our shop and on our e-shop.
Location
Paris
Author
Caroline Balvay
Photos and videos
Constance Gennari
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TSF
Augustin, at home where do you spend the most time?
Augustin
I don’t get to spend enough time doing this but when I get the chance, evening or weekend, I just flop onto the sofa facing the Seine and read as much as I can or daydream.
TSF
Who designed the library?
Augustin
It was my beloved sister, Fanny Prat. She designed this custom library not only to house all my books but to enhance their coverage- composed together it is a design feature in itself. In my mind, there is nothing more beautiful than books gathered together as decoration on the wall.
TSF
Which item do you prefer the most?
Augustin
Probably my jukebox from 1967 from a bar in Milwaukee, USA. It is a Seeburg V200 that I saw at the flea market and couldn’t stop thinking about for at least a few months. I began to imagine and create the ideal nightclub music etc. I found a haphazard mix of Joni Mitchell, Dylan, Joan Baez and Barbara. It is a piece that takes up a lot of space and is quite intense however I really love it as it breaks up the sense of bachelor sterilisation.
TSF
Are you a collector?
Augustin
I certainly collect books, in spite of myself. Over time, after receiving many and purchasing more, I have learnt to deconsecrate and care not about the object itself. Cautious collectors are common but more often than not, my guests will leave my home with a book in hand.
TSF
Where do you go to look for furniture?
Augustin
I explore Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, finding classics. Sometimes and increasingly, I search leboncoin, eBay and other obscure US-based websites.
TSF
How do you describe your style in terms of decor?
Augustin
For a long while, I referred to it as mid-century modern, evidenced in pieces by Charles et Ray Eames, Florence Knoll and Hans Wegner. In addition to that, I also have a passion for design icons as such, the LC1 chair by Le Corbusier has always fascinated me. It is a piece that’s virtually perfect with elegance and simplicity.
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TSF
Your books act as the decor in your living room, are they arranged in any particular order or way?
Augustin
They are alphabetised by the author’s name. After that, in chronological order of the bibliography of each individual author. It is for comfort and ease as I’d find it impossible to find a certain books otherwise. Furthermore, there is something very beautiful about being surrounded by these works that meet each other on the shelf, Lydia Salvayre and San Antonio, Doris Lessing and Primo Levi, David Foster Wallace and Michel Foucault.
TSF
Did you decide the decor?
Augustin
Absolutely all me, complete with wanderings and errors in taste. That said, I live alone so apart from my dog Jean-Francois, the responsibility is all mine when it comes to explaining that expensive concept candle or the old lady puppet from Bali I’ve had since childhood…
TSF
Do you have an iconic architect or designer that makes you dream?
Augustin
Probably Charlotte Perriand, even though I only have one her little stools. I dream of one of the great tables in ash from the sixties. They remind me of my grandparents in Auvergne.
TSF
Your idea of bad taste is what?
Augustin
Nothing is more stunning in the living room, in my opinion, than a lack of taste. This is exactly what uniqueness and beauty is… preference and niche visions. The problem is when you start to accumulate clutter, you need to fight that all the weekend long!
TSF
A treasure or bargain of which you are most proud?
Augustin
I really love my copper ashtray by Marine Breynaert. She made all the lighting in the apartment including some of the candle holders. This golden ashtray is surprisingly simple.
TSF
A restaurant you can recommend in Paris or elsewhere?
Augustin
Without a doubt, it is Genio. It’s on Avenue Théophile Gautier close to the Maison de la Radio where I have my lunch almost everyday. The plate of orecchiette blows my mind every time!
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