Nos actualités

Article published in the newspapers L’Alsace and les Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace (DNA) on 8 April 2024

Introduction on page 9 Colmar:

11: That’s the length, in metres, of some of the tables made by Gil Rebert, a craftsman from Rebert Mobilier. With a dual training in cabinet-making and mechanics, Gil Rebert took over the running of the company founded by his father in 1969. Monumental, classic or atypical, tables are the core of their business. Our report, as part of the European Crafts Days, can be found on the inside page.

Colmar and the surrounding area, Andolsheim

A table for life.

Creativity and technical expertise. Rebert Mobilier in Andolsheim opened its doors this weekend as part of the European Crafts Days. Among other things, it was an opportunity to see the extension tables that have made the reputation of this unique manufacturer in the region.

“All major decisions have been taken around a table” The table is a place of exchange par excellence, and is also the rallying point for family homes. For thirty years, the company founded by Albert Rebert in 1969, and now taken over by his son Gil, has specialised in tables “seating from four to forty. Everything the industry can’t do”.

Town halls such as Habsheim and Hirtzfelden are keen to use them for their town councils. Modular, they can accommodate large meetings and then be reduced in size “for a wedding, for example”. Gil Rebert puts his dual training in “mechanics and wood” to good use when designing and producing the extensions, some of which are extremely clever, to meet customers’ specific requirements.

“One customer came to me with a tree stump that was to be used as a table leg. To make it longer, I designed a system so that it split in two and stretched out”.

Since 2015, the company has been capitalising on the trend for interior design to offer sideboards, cupboards, bookcases and dressing rooms. Sometimes with secret compartments or invisible cupboards. “We always start with a blank sheet of paper. Customers come to us with a photo or an idea, and we take care of the rest.

This flexibility has contributed to the reputation of the Andolsheim-based manufacturer. “When you work with wood, you have to be flexible in every sense of the word. It’s important to respect the material, because if you force it, it will end up working and freeing itself”.

But tables are Rebert Mobilier’s core business. Monumental, atypical, simply beautiful or even capable of being extended while remaining round. But the health crisis was a major blow. “Because of the restrictions, there were no more tables, no more conviviality”. The family spirit was also somewhat lost. “Often it’s the elders who have the big tables”.

But quality remains.

A table can last a lifetime. And even several. The wood used is local. “Today, olive ash is the most popular. But we also use walnut, oak, wild cherry, elm…”.

The company also restores antique furniture. “This allows us to make a link with the past. And to see the mistakes that may have been made so that we don’t repeat them.

*Nicolas Pinot

www.rebert-mobilier.fr

More photos on our website