The History of Faux Bois

Faux bois is a charming art form that has a special place in history and in my heart. In fact, I love it enough to create faux bois furniture as my full-time profession. For me, the history of concrete faux bois is not a list of random names and dates: It’s the story of a rapidly changing French society from 1867 to 1920, fueled by dreams and new technologies, and of a clever gardener who accidentally changed civilization forever.

woman and child sit on a large concrete public faux bois bench — A rare vintage image of a public faux bois bench in a garden in Bléré, France. This garden bench was likely built in the early 1900s. (Image from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson).

Basic Definition

Faux bois means “false wood” in French. If you Google “faux bois” you’ll not only see the concrete version, but everything from wood-grained wallpaper to resin planters designed to resemble tree trunks.

music kiosk with faux bois railings, with a roof held up with faux bois tree trunks — A faux bois music kiosk in Louviers, France, likely built in the late 1800s. (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson).

women with victorian flowered hats standing on a faux bois bridge — An enchanting 1909 portrait of a French woman and her three children posing on a lovely faux bois bridge. (Antique photo, collection of Diane Husson.)

Historical Definition

In a historical sense, faux bois has, and always will, (at least to me), refer to an art form that originated in France in the mid 1800s. It included a group of artisans who sculpted cement onto metal armatures, giving the illusion of free-flowing branches and trees. This creative technique was used to make everything from faux bois benches, chairs, and tables to bridges, railings, balconies, kiosks, and other architectural elements— for both public parks and private homes and gardens.

Through the lens of history, faux bois is often (and unfairly, in my opinion) relegated to the category of “folk art,” “grotesques,” “novelties,” or “garden follies.” It was so much more than that! Faux bois once adorned the most elegant parks and grand estates in France and Belgium. What many people don’t know is that it also was an early proof of concept for a building innovation that changed the world forever—metal reinforced concrete.

organic concrete faux bois bridge in Cognac, France — This mysterious scene shows a beautifully organic faux bois bridge in the garden of the Hotel-de-Ville in Cognac, France. (Image from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson).

a concrete faux bois bridge and grotto — A monumental faux bois bridge with a grotto constructed in the late 1800s/early 1900s at the Château Vandencourt. (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson).

Château Pouget with faux bois bridge — This faux bois bridge is found in at the Château Pouget in Asnièves, France. It stands to this day. (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson).

The Gardener Who Changed the World

Like many innovations that change lives, reinforced concrete had humble and strangely specific beginnings. The first person who came up with a very practical use for ferrocement in the mid 1800s (i.e. iron mesh embedded in concrete) was not an inventor, materials scientist, or even a builder.

Joseph Monier, father of French faux bois — Joseph Monier, a French gardener, is considered the inventor of reinforced concrete and the father of the art form we refer to as concrete faux bois.

Joseph Monier, a French gardener, didn’t set out to alter the course of civilization. He just wanted to build a better planter because wooden planters rotted and ceramic ones constantly cracked during freeze/thaw cycles.

As a master gardener, Monier understood plants. He knew that the fibers in plants made their stems strong enough to withstand all kinds of weather conditions. He had an idea that if he combined iron mesh with a recently invented material called Portland Cement (British invention in 1824, enhanced in 1845), he could make planters that would hold up to those severe freeze thaw cycles. It would save him time and aggravation if he didn’t have to repot those orange trees so often! His experimentation paid off.

France proudly introduced Monier’s ferrocement planters to the world at the Paris Exhibition of 1867. Builders from all over the world who attended that Exhibition realized that this new technology could be used to modernize the infrastructure in their countries. They could build high rise buildings, bridges, and better transportation systems. Monier’s proof of concept for metal reinforced concrete ushered in a new era in construction around the world.In 1875 Monier designed and built the first reinforced concrete bridge across a moat at the Château de Chazelet. What’s exciting to me is that it was a faux bois bridge as well, making him in my mind, the father of the art of concrete faux bois.

first reinforced concrete faux bois bridge in Chazelet then and now — Art and science converge: The 150-year-old faux bois bridge over the mote at Château de Chazelet is both the first reinforced concrete bridge in the world, as well as the first concrete faux bois bridge. The castle’s owner is used to seeing tourists from all over the world who realize its major historic significance. (Contemporary photo courtesy Infociments. Old photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

The Rise of Faux Bois Artisans

As much as I believe that faux bois should be considered a stand-alone art form, it is nearly always placed into the broader French masonry tradition of “rocaille” — the art of sculpting rocks out of cement. Before the invention of Portland cement and reinforced concrete, rocailleurs (or, rock makers) were the artisans who sculpted decorative rocks and grottos for public parks using a weak and unruly mixture lime and sand. (The secrets to strong cement invented by the Roman Empire were lost during the Middle Ages.)

Sculpting Portland cement onto a metal framework was a game changer for these concrete artisans. They were no longer limited to making fake rocks or sculpting bas relief false wood planks on the sides of buildings, using concrete with the same limitations as plaster. They were free to create beautiful faux bois bridges, railings and furniture with twisting, realistic branches that could stand alone as unique, compelling, and functional sculptures. The rocailleurs who embraced this newly invented art-form took their sculpting skills to the next level, and their creations elegantly blended into the surrounding nature.

French faux bois bridge with swan in Jardin Dumain — A wonderfully sculpted natural looking faux bois bridge in Le Jardin Dumain in Luçon, France. The bridge still stands today. (Old photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

rocailleur in France, 1911 — This advertisement for Etienne Siffredi, a faux bois artisan based in Cannes, appeared in a 1911 French newspaper.

faux bois passerelle, a man standing on an oceanside faux bois bridge — A seaside fantasy: an early faux bois “passerelle” in Saint- Aubin-sur-Mer. I just love the lyrical, twisting branches making up the railings of this bridge. (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

Faux Bois in Major Parks—escaping the madness of city life

The second Industrial Revolution lured many people from the countryside to the cities in search of factory work. In the mid-to-late 1800s, public parks and gardens were places of refuge where everyone, regardless of social status, could escape the noise and other challenges of overcrowded cities.

The French government gave top landscape architects a lot of public money to renovate Paris area parks such as Buttes-Chaumont and Montsouris, as well as many other smaller parks.

vintage photo of a man at Les Buttes-Chaumont with a faux bois railing — A man rests for a moment in during his stroll in Les Buttes-Chaumont in the early 1900s. This postcard was mailed in 1904. A significant amount of faux bois can still be seen today in this Parisian park. (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

Cascade waterfall at Parc Montsouris in Paris — Faux bois railing adorns the top of the Cascade at Parc Montsouris in Paris. Much faux bois can still be found today in this park. (Old photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

child on faux bois bridge — A young girl pauses to enjoy nature while standing on a faux bois bridge in Parc Jouvet in Valence, France. (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

Armed with this influx of government cash, they set out to make fantastical gardens with amazing structures. Faux bois played a significant role in fulfilling their vision. They loved the idea that railings and bridges could be made to look like tree branches without the problems of actual wood’s rapid decay. They realized that properly constructed concrete faux bois, whether architectural elements or furniture, could last outside for many decades.

beautiful faux bois bridge in Arras, France — A breathtaking fairytale style faux bois bridge in Arras, France. (Antique postcard, early 1900s, collection of Diane Husson.)

Jardin Botanique faux bois bridge — A rustic faux bois bridge in the Jardin Botanique in Sedan, France. (Antique postcard, early 1900s, collection of Diane Husson.)

faux bois bridge in Grasse, France — This bridge in Grasse, France is masterful achievement in fantastical faux bois. The sculptor no doubt confused and amazed viewers who wondered how two curved tree trunks joined in the middle with no vertical supports and a rickety looking railing could seemingly float 10 ft. off the ground defying gravity. When they realized it was actually sturdy concrete and not flimsy tree parts, everybody probably had a good laugh. (Antique postcard postmarked 1908, collection of Diane Husson.)

Faux Bois’ rise in popularity in Europe

In the late 1800s up until the turn of the century, many concrete faux bois bridges, stairs, walkway railings, benches, tables, and other structures were placed in public parks mostly in France and to a lesser extent in Belgium. Some examples have also been seen in parts of Spain and Italy.

circular faux bois bench in France — A late 1800s circular faux bois bench with built in planters surrounds a tree near a Victorian style music kiosk in Troyes, France. (Old photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

The prosperity that came with roaring economy in the late 1800s up until the early years of the 20^th century led to the rise of the “nouveau riche.” They dreamed of buying second home in the country to escape the congestion and madness of big city life. When they strolled through these Parisian parks and saw all of the amazing faux bois, they wanted it for the gardens of their country homes and châteaux.

Faux bois artist studios popped up throughout France and Belgium. They built faux bois not only for public spaces, but also for these newly prosperous urban escapees.

French country house with rustic faux bois bridge — The rustic nature of faux bois fit seamlessly into the natural surroundings of country homes and estates. (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

faux bois railing in France — Faux bois artisans began to advertise their services with printed matter like this early 1900s promotional postcard. (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

man with canoe beneath faux bois bridge at Château des Marais in Meung-sur-Loire. — By the beginning of the 20th century, there were many faux bois studios throughout France building a wide variety of faux bois functional concrete outdoor sculptures for public parks and private estates. This faux bois bridge spanned a river at Château des Marais in Meung-sur-Loire. (photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

Auberge Marie Jolly faux bois porch railings in Falaise, France — This Auberge in Falaise, France has faux bois railings with a planter and faux bois tree trunk columns holding up the porch roof. (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

La Lavoir de Marie Joly (public laundry house) appears to be from a fairytale. The faux bois detailing is amazing and eerily realistic. (Though the roof appears to be actual thatch). Sadly, the building eventually fell into disrepair. (Old photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

Homeowners embraced everything faux bois and adorned their houses and “secret” gardens with fanciful railings, balconies, and fences. Though their city home might have had formal gardens, they wanted their country homes to look and feel natural, comfortable, and somewhat rustic. It was a place to dream, read, write poetry and love letters, entertain and relax.

faux bois bridge in France — A charming faux bois bridge in a garden in Aulnay-sous-Bois. (Old photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

Fantasy and whimsy were always welcome. After all, this was their “happy place”. They would dine like happy peasants in their gardens, enjoying wine, bread, and cheese on their faux bois benches, tables and chairs.

faux bois bridge in Douai, France — A faux bois bridge in a public garden in Douai, France. (Antique postcard, early 1900s, collection of Diane Husson.)

The Decline of Faux Bois

At this point, you’ve seen many rare and beautiful pictures of historic faux bois and you’re probably wondering how this charming art form could vanish so suddenly from the European zeitgeist.

faux bois railings at Balcon du Restaurant dominant les Gorges du Fier — Like a scene from an impressionist’s painting, elegant tourists enjoy an elegant lunch on a porch enclosed by faux bois railings. (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

The reasons are many and complex. It comes down to the fact that even though faux bois was based on new materials and construction technologies, it appeared to be from a world that was on its way out. Faux bois was born during the Belle Epoque, when optimistic, exuberant art and personal luxuries were all the rage. It thrived during the Art Nouveau Movement when nature was a major source of creative inspiration and classical artifice was being rejected. Shortly after the turn of the 20^th century, an undeniably Modern movement was knocking at the door ready to sweep away everything that came before it.

victorian ladies on a faux bois bridge — Two women from the Gilded Age are enjoying the faux bois at Parc de la Tête-d’Or in Lyon, France. (Photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

Living in the Modern World

By the early 1900s, the winds of change were coming to Europe. Major advances in science, medicine, communications, and transportation had ushered in new technologies like electricity, telephones, automobiles, and airplanes. People were excited about this new modern world. They not only wanted to own and use these modern conveniences, but they also wanted things to look modern. Rustic, ornate, and romantic objects began to seem passé.

large faux bois bridge in France — In a modern world, rustic faux bois bridges were thought to be outdated. (Photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

The dark side of the Modern world came calling in 1914 when World War I, the first “modern” war with all its modern technological horrors, brought a wrecking ball to Europe. It devastated the landscape, robbing millions of people of their lives and their dreams. Optimism and hope in a brighter future gave way to cynicism and disillusionment. Artists and writers reflected the new surreal and dystopian reality in their sculptures, paintings, and books.

Faux bois, born out of a quest for nature, fantasy, and tranquility, was not part of that angry, nihilistic conversation. After the war ended in 1918, Art Deco’s slick, manmade aesthetic took the design world by force, as if pronouncing that the competition of whether design inspiration should come from nature or machines had been settled. The machines had won! From that point on, the demand for faux bois in Europe declined drastically. The Golden Age of French faux bois, which had lasted about 50 years, came to an unceremonious end.

concrete faux bois bridge at Pont Aven in France — This old woman carrying a bundle of sticks and the bridge she is crossing a part of a world fading into obscurity. Happily, this large faux bois bridge in the town of Pont-Aven, France still stands today. (Photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

faux bridge in Belgium — With the popularity of machine-made aesthetics, bridges like this in La Hoëgne, Belgium, were no longer built after 1920. This bridge still stands today, more than a century after it was constructed, though the signage arch has been removed. (Old photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

faux bois bridge at Saint-Omer in France — About 50 years after it began, European faux bois vanished into obscurity. It lived on in the memories of people, like this young boy enjoying nature at a public garden at Saint-Omer, France. (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

Is Faux Bois making a comeback today?

I was asked by a Wall Street Journal design columnist why I thought the faux bois style of furniture and décor was so popular now. I had to stop and think about that one. The reasons are many:

A late 1800s era faux bois bridge in Rennes, France. A restored version of this bridge still stands to today. (Old photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

Nature heals and brings joy

Back in the day, people might have been mesmerized by new technologies, but today, we view smartphones, laptops, and new apps as tools that make our lives more convenient and efficient. Technology helps us earn a living and connect with others so we can have more time to pursue what we love. Gadgets are fun, but they can never replace all the things (including nature) that nurture our souls and spirits. Even scientists have proven that nature has healing qualities, which is why you see so many hospital walls and filled with artful depictions of landscapes, forests, waterfalls, and flowers.

fashionable young 1920s woman with faux bois bridge — This stylish 1920s French woman has her portrait taken with vintage faux bois as the backdrop. (Old photo, collection of Diane Husson.)

I think nature motifs, including faux bois, will always be popular when people feel free to decorate their homes and gardens in an eclectic way, surrounding themselves with meaningful things that bring them joy.

People still want peace

Human desire for peace and tranquility has not changed in the past 150 years. Many city dwellers still want comfortable, casual homes in the country to which they can escape on the weekends. They want these special dwellings to reflect their love of nature and are choosing specific furniture pieces that reflect their vision of a “secret garden” getaway. This is true of many of my clients who commission custom faux bois pieces.

child on faux bois bridge in France — Faux bois fits into natural settings just as well now as it did 100 years ago. This child enjoys standing on a faux bois bridge in the Jardin des Plantes in Angers, France in the early 1900s. (Old photo from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

A growing awareness of faux bois

A new awareness of faux bois has grown because of the internet and social media. In recent years, prominent interior designer influencers have collected both new and antique pieces for their own homes and gardens. They have talked about it extensively in magazine articles, books, and videos, and on social media. When images of faux bois show up in the media, it helps to fuel even more public interest in this little-known and unique art-form.

faux bois benches in a French park. — A woman rests on a faux bois bench in Contrexéville, France. Beside her is a whimsical faux bois chair. Some say that antique faux bois garden furniture like this has become a vanishing French national treasure.

Old French faux bois vanishing again?

Antiques dealers have been importing 100+ year-old French faux bois furniture and garden décor for decades, and it has been snapped up by enthusiastic buyers in the United States. However, that is coming to an end. A prominent garden antiques dealer recently informed me that France is all but “shopped out” when it comes to antique faux bois garden furniture and decor. Unfortunately, from now on, these French faux bois treasures are a going to be very difficult to find.

young man at faux bois bridge in Douai, France — A young man pauses to enjoy nature on a faux bois bridge in Douai, France (early 20th century). (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson.)

The Faux Bois spirit lives on

The faux bois art form has always found a home among those who dream of peaceful gardens and want to live in harmony with nature. For that reason, I think that the true spirit of faux bois is just as relevant now as it was 150 years ago. I am a huge fan of vintage French faux bois and am honored to carry on this tradition more than 100 years later, in my own style, using the latest in cement technology.

In researching images for this article, I came across a breathtaking array of styles and artistic expressions. Some of the faux bois creations featured in these photos no longer exist. Some have been restored and can be enjoyed today.

faux bois seating area at Parc Montsouris in Paris. — The left photo shows a wide view of a faux bois bench seating area in Parc Montsouris in Paris. The right photo shows a closer view of the same area. Early faux bois can still be found in this park today. (Old photos from antique postcards, collection of Diane Husson.)

Faux bois bridge at Square St-Pierre in Montmartre, Paris — A faux bois bridge over the cascade of Square St-Pierre, (Montmartre), Paris. Vintage faux bois still can be found there today. (Antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson).

Hospice Ste-Angele faux bois bridge in France — This ethereal faux bois stairway at l’Hospice Ste-Angele in Yzeron, France shows the creativity and talent of the European concrete faux bois sculptors who lived and worked more than 100 years ago. (Image from an antique postcard, collection of Diane Husson).

If you visit Paris, you can still see beautiful faux bois stairways and railings in Parc Montsouris, Buttes Chaumont and Square St-Pierre. If you explore the many beautiful towns in France, keep your eyes open: You’re bound to see relics of the past—perhaps a faux bois balcony railing, or a bridge. If you ask the local residents, they’ll probably be happy to point out some amazing faux bois from the distant past that isn’t mentioned in your travel guides.

If you’ve traveled to France and have seen any of these faux bois landmarks, please leave a comment to share your experience with the other faux bois loving readers of this blog!