The many faces of Chillon #2 CLAUDE VEUILLET

In 2024, we’d like to paint a picture of just some of the people who bring Chillon Castle to life. We’ll be taking a slightly quirky, offbeat peek behind the scenes of the fortress on Lake Geneva. So, ready to take a tour?

Claude Veuillet is a conservator and restorer specialised in ancient wooden objects. Internationally renowned, his restoration work has spanned dozens of heritage sites, works of art and ancient objects. His craft has taken him from church stalls and statues, to baptisteries, tools, and even chests, like those we have here at Chillon Castle.

Claude is passionate about wood (in all forms) and passing on this artform; for the last 25 years, he has been hosting children’s woodworking workshops during the Easter holidays.

What do you think is the most important part of these workshops?

For me, the object the children are making is just a pretext. It doesn’t really matter what it is. It’s whatever the children want it to be. I think what really matters is familiarising yourself with the knife – your carving tool – and understanding the artisanal techniques. It’s a gateway to a world of creativity. Speed had no business here – beauty lies in the art of slowing down, being patient. Something which isn’t always easy with children (laughs). Thankfully we work in groups of three. That’s the key to the success of these workshops. Two is never enough. In threes, you can support one another, complement each other, pay close attention to each participant and make sure everyone stays safe.

Any funny anecdotes you can tell us about?

Strictly speaking, this isn’t an anecdote. I have been woodworking for decades. I try not to become complacent. But I am always surprised by the almost naively cool expectations the children bring to the workshops. They always want to dive straight into making very intricate and complicated pieces (figurines from video games, weapons, works of art). So, when I start talking to them about spoons, bowls, woodland foxes or  , I always get a few, shall we say, ‘surprised’ looks (laughs). This is one of the first things I teach them. You need to start small and master the basics before you can move on.

Any funny anecdotes you can tell us about?

Strictly speaking, this isn’t an anecdote. I have been woodworking for decades. I try not to become complacent. But I am always surprised by the almost naively cool expectations the children bring to the workshops. They always want to dive straight into making very intricate and complicated pieces (figurines from video games, weapons, works of art). So, when I start talking to them about spoons, bowls, woodland foxes or  , I always get a few, shall we say, ‘surprised’ looks (laughs). This is one of the first things I teach them. You need to start small and master the basics before you can move on.

What is your favourite kind of wood?

For small pieces, I’d say Arolla pine (a pine from the Alps). It’s a tree that grows high up in the mountains. It is heavily scented and smells divine. It grows very slowly. It’s a force of nature, but it has a very soft, supple texture. I love this paradox. We’re back to ‘going slow’ again! (laughs) This suppleness means it can be sculpted into heaps of different things.

If you had a magic wand, which part of the castle would you replace with wood?

I would change part of the lakeside facade, adding lots of openings to allow more sunlight in. I’d keep it casual, no need to knock the whole thing down – the walls are beautiful (and sturdy!). I’d just give this venerable monument a bit of a ‘Scandinavian chalet’ vibe. Minus the sauna and jacuzzi.