In 2007 Umicore commissioned James Heeley to design a collection in zinc for interiors. The result is a collection that includes a functional and modular wall panelling system, decorative mouldings, furniture and exceptional items made by Les Ateliers d’Art Français.

The work in this collection will be of interest to interior designers and architects. It is summarised by an innovative and coherent use of material while making reference to the history of zinc and the traditional techniques used by ‘ornamanistes’ and ‘couvreurs’.

Les Ateliers d’Art Français (part of the group Umicore) is an elite body comprising some of France’s most accomplished craftsmen with a history dating back to the beginning of the 19th century. Highly specialised in zinc ornamentation and architectural roofing, their work includes the restoration of some of France’s most prestigious historic buildings such as ‘Le Grand Palais’ and the ‘Musée d’Orsay’ in Paris.

Umicore is the world’s leading producer of zinc and non ferrous metals. The company dates back to 1809 when Napoleon Bonaparte assigned rights to the Veille Montagne mine in Liège, Belgium, allowing the exploitation of calamine ore in order to produce zinc. Today VM Zinc is the trademark for Umicore’s high quality zinc sheeting and building products.

VM Zinc is an environmentally responsible material and 100% recyclable, made to the highest environmental standards. According to Umicore’s sustainable development policy and state of the art production process, a high percentage of recycled zinc is integrated into the manufacture of zinc sheeting.

photos: Paul Kozlowski