Master stonecarver Olivier Dumont of Atelier Jouvence, a Chicago stonecarving company, was commissioned to sculpt all of the engraved signage into the limestone facade of the Art Institute of Chicago’s new Modern Wing. Because the stonework had already been installed on the building, the museum sought an artist with the artistic stonecarving skills and expertise to execute the carving on-site. Often in precarious positions, the Atelier Jouvence artisans were sometimes carving 25 to 75 feet above the ground. Carving the final, large sign on the Columbus St. side of the building required Dumont and his team to use a 100-foot aerial lift in order to complete the carving. Upon completing the lettering for the signs, the Atelier Jouvence artisans in-filled the each letter with graphite to make the signage more visible. It is extremely rewarding to be included in the craftsmanship that has gone into creating the beautiful Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Dumont says. We had to use great concentration and work carefully because we were carving directly into the limestone facade of the completed building. The Atelier Jouvence team worked before the museume’s operating hours in order to complete the project without disrupting Art Institute visitors.
A closeup of the facade’s carving, which consists of fifteen-inch-tall letterforms.
One of only a handful of French master stonecarvers currently working in the United States, Dumont is a native of Dijon, France. Dumont received his carving instruction and training at Lycee des Marcs D’or, a well-known stone carving school near his hometown. Dumont apprenticed and worked professionally throughout France, accumulating diverse artistry skills, reflective of each regions native stones, carving techniques, and historic inspirations. Dumont’s 18 years of professional stonecarving experience, both in France and the U.S., have comprised a wide range of carving and historic restoration projects including numerous cathedrals and other historic buildings. In addition to his mastery of stonecarving, Dumont also has extensive training in art history and interior design.
