Heritage Heroes: the poetry of Paris with Marin Montagut

Photos courtesy of Romain Ricard

Heritage Heroes celebrates the artisans preserving centuries-old crafts and traditions. In this series, we seek out the workshops and boutiques worth the detour, the experiences that capture the spirit of a destination and the keepsakes you’ll treasure long after the journey ends.

You might recognise the work of French artist and purveyor Marin Montagut: vibrant textiles, mouth-blown glassware and eccentric illustrations that feel both whimsical and playful. His charming boutique in the Parisian Left Bank neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés distils the romance of the city, with its double-glass facade and green-stripe awnings. Marin has built a reputation for his free-spirited approach to traditional crafts, through a carefully curated selection of handmade goods and antiques. “I hope people feel inspired, happy and a little more curious about the world,” he says. “If they leave the boutique with the eyes of a child and a smile on their face, then I know I have succeeded.”

It’s been a busy few months for Marin, who spent the first half of the year celebrating the launch of his illustrated guide, Forever Paris (Mon Paris de Toujours). A showcase of his favourite local haunts, from flea markets to gardens, it is beautifully wrapped in a bottle-green hardcover with gold type that echoes the palette of his boutique. Between a series of launch events across Europe, a new collection with neighbouring Jardin du Luxembourg, and sessions in his Normandy studio, we caught up with Marin to discuss his earliest memories of collecting, falling head over heels for Paris, and what to add to your basket in his specialty shop.

What is your earliest memory of being drawn to beautiful objects?  

I was immersed in the world of antiques before I could walk. My parents were antique dealers and my grandmother was a painter, so I grew up surrounded by beautiful objects and works of art. Some of my earliest memories are of being in a pushchair at flea markets, captivated by the treasures around me. One object from my childhood that stands out is a globe. I loved that such a simple object could inspire dreams of distant places and future adventures. Even today, I collect antique globes that continue to inspire my creations. Looking back, I realise these objects taught me that beauty lies not only in appearance but in the imagination, memories and stories they carry through time. 

Who were your formative influences?  

My family was my first influence. My parents taught me to appreciate craftsmanship and objects made to last, while my grandmother instilled a love of drawing and colour. Together, they shaped the way I see the world. I have always been inspired by artisans, collectors and makers from the past – I am fascinated by the care and precision in their work. My travels have been a constant source of inspiration, particularly traditional craftsmanship in France, Italy, Portugal and Japan. I admire those who dedicate their lives to preserving skills and passing them on to future generations.

What drew you to Paris, and how did it shape your creative world?  

When I arrived in Paris at the age of 20, it was love at first sight. I had moved there after studying in London, following an instinct rather than a plan, and immediately felt I had found where I belonged. The city became an endless source of inspiration. Its architecture, gardens, cafés, hidden passages, workshops and flea markets became my creative playground. Paris taught me to slow down and notice detail. More than anything, it gave me a lasting sense of wonder, and the space to turn my passion into a world of my own. 

How would you describe Paris to someone who has never visited?  

Paris is like a living postcard. Beauty reveals itself everywhere, not only in its monuments but in the smallest details – a handwritten shop sign, a hidden courtyard, an old bookseller along the Seine, or a cafe terrace at sunset. What makes Paris special is its ability to make everyday life feel poetic. History is woven into the city, yet it’s not frozen in time. For me, Paris is a place where dreams, craftsmanship and beauty coexist naturally, inviting you to wander and discover something unexpected.

How do you decide what makes an object or craft worth championing? 

I am guided above all by emotion. When an object gives me the same sense of wonder I felt as a child, I know it’s worth celebrating. I love objects that tell a story and carry traces of time, human hands and craftsmanship. I’m drawn to crafts where the artisan’s hand remains visible. In a fast-moving world, these skills remind us of patience and the value of things carefully made. 

Paris is an extraordinary city because it is home to workshops and crafts that have been passed down through generations. Stepping inside them feels like time standing still. They are living treasures. I’ve always loved meeting artisans, learning about their craft, hearing their stories and discovering inherited skills refined over time. These traditions are part of the spirit of Paris, making their preservation essential. Behind every handmade object lies knowledge, dedication and often centuries of passion. 

Tell us about your studio in Montmartre 

My studio is a space filled with curiosities such as drawings, antique objects, books and fabrics that constantly spark new ideas. I usually start the day with a coffee and emails before drawing. Watercolour is at the heart of my work but many new collections begin as sketches. From there, I work with the team to develop new ideas across porcelain, glass, silk or paper. No two days are the same, which I love – there is always something new to explore.

And what about your boutique, Martin Montague?

I wanted to create a Parisian shop like those that existed a century ago. Tucked away at 48 Rue Madame, just steps from the Jardin du Luxembourg, the boutique has a quiet, timeless energy. Soft light fills the rooms, music often plays and a bell rings each time the door opens. I hope visitors feel transported to another era, a place filled with curiosity, poetry and discovery. 

Each room has its own character. The first evokes an old-fashioned curiosity shop, the second has the intimacy of a boudoir, and the third is a studio inspired by my creative world. Together, they reflect the many influences and inspirations behind my work.

Your livres à secrets are loved by collectors – how did they come about? 

They were inspired by 18th-century books I found while antiquing, often hollowed out to hide letters, jewellery or keepsakes. I loved the idea and wanted to reinterpret it. My versions are made in papier-mâché and hand-painted in the workshop, each telling a different story inspired by Paris, friendship, love or travel. I like the idea that an object can still hold a mystery. In a world where everything is visible and immediate, they allow people to keep something precious just for themselves.

What should a first-time visitor put in their basket? 

I always encourage people to take their time and look closely, even in the smallest corners. There are often details hidden throughout the shop. As a souvenir, I would suggest one of our hand-painted glasses, a livre à secrets, or a piece from the porcelain collection inspired by Paris. 

People increasingly want objects with meaning and stories. They want to meet makers and understand how things are created and bring home something unique that isn’t mass-produced – it shows that authenticity and craftsmanship still matter deeply. Everything in the boutique is fragments of my world that you can take home.

Tell us about Forever Paris – what was the inspiration behind it? 

It is a love letter to the city that has inspired me since I first arrived. For years, I’ve kept notebooks of addresses, courtyards, workshops and gardens. It reflects everything I’ve discovered over two decades of wandering, drawing and researching. I choose places with soul – some are world-renowned institutions, while others are lesser-known. One of the joys of working on the book was visiting places I had walked past countless times without exploring. The city is full of hidden worlds and that sense of discovery still fascinates me. 

I hope it encourages people to slow down and look more closely at the world around them. Whether in Paris or reading from the other side of the world, I want them to feel transported – and inspired to wander, get lost and push open unexpected doors. To me, that is the true magic of Paris.

Forever Paris (Mon Paris de Toujours) by Marin Montagut is available now

@marinmontagut | marinmontagut.com