WOOD

Historically speaking, without wood, furniture is inconceivable. The most common wood used in France until the end of the 16th century was oak, followed by chestnut - the two species preferred by Philippe Hurel. Among fruit woods, cherry was the predominant species used for furniture in the French regions for centuries. The first cargo of exotic woods arrived at Bercy in 1516 during the reign of François I.

The species used by Philippe Hurel are entirely in keeping with the vernacular tradition of French furniture making, regardless of whether they are of European or exotic origin, or whether they are available in abundance or threatened with extinction.