Guimard’s Marble Fireplaces — 2 — Restoration of the Sculpted Decor on a Fireplace in the Trémois Building
19 April 2026
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In the apartment of one of our members, located in the Trémois building designed by Guimard in 1909–1910 on Rue François Millet, the living room and dining room feature different Guimard marble fireplaces fitted with cast-iron inserts (GA and GB). We had noticed that the engraved decoration on the lintel of one of the mantels had been obscured. We therefore suggested the assistance of our friend Émilie Dominey, who, after leading guided tours for the Cercle Guimard for several years while pursuing training in sculpture conservation and restoration, is now working independently. We are reproducing the report of her work below.
The fireplace in the dining room of an apartment in the Trémois building on Rue François Millet, Paris’s 16th arrondissement, before renovation. Photo by F. D.
Condition Report
Hector Guimard’s fireplace is framed by a mantelpiece decoration made of red, veined marble veneer. The top of the mantelpiece consists of a wooden panel covered with a painted faux-marble design.
This fireplace once featured a delicate, chiseled marble decoration on the upper lintel. It has been covered with a layer of plaster and retouched with paint—likely acrylic—in an attempt to recreate the marble’s veining.
Carved decoration covered with plaster and retouched. Photo by E. D.
Detail of the decoration and color retouching. Photo by E. D.
Conservation and Restoration Work
Removal of Plaster
The plaster coating that covered the carved decorative details was removed using stonemason’s tools (chisel and mallet) and a scalpel.
Detail of the decoration; plaster removal in progress. Photo by E. D.
Détail du décor, retrait du plâtre en cours. Photo E. D
Detail of the decoration; plaster removal in progress. Photo by E. D.
Removal of the old color retouching
The old color retouching was easily removed using a solvent and cotton (acetone).
Detail of the decoration after removal of the plaster Photo E. D.
Close-up of the decoration after cleaning and removal of the colored retouching. Photo by E. D.
Cleaning
After removing the old layers that had obscured the decoration, the entire surface of the marble mantelpiece was cleaned with water and a sponge.
Touch-up and Wax Application
Certain areas showing tool marks were lightly touched up with watercolor. The entire surface of the marble was coated with a thin layer of microcrystalline wax to restore the marble’s full luster.
View of the upper lintel after treatment. Photo by E. D.
Detail of the sculpted decorztion after treatment Photo E. D.
It is worth noting that this same decorative motif can be found on other similar fireplace designs by Hector Guimard, notably at the Hôtel Mezzara, in a servant’s room on the second floor.
Fireplace on the second floor of the Mezzara Hotel, featuring a marble mantelpiece similar to the one restored in the Trémois building. The insert consists of simple flat ceramic tiles. Photo by F. D.
Émilie Dominey – Sculpture Conservation and Restoration
Translation : Alan Bryden