Biography

From 1975 to 1978, Mr. Wiart served as an apprentice in his family’s metalshop in Cambrai, a city of Northern France. Then, he worked at Les Metalliers Champenois S.A. on major restoration projects of French National Historic Landmarks, such as :

  • the restoration of the wrought iron gates of the Place Stanislas de Nancy (1978-1983),
  • the fabrication of the repoussé ornementation of the balcony rails of the famous Cour d’Honneur of Château de Versailles (1983),
  • As co-manager of the team of artisans that crafted the new torch and flame of the Statue of Liberty (1984–1986).

Starting March 1986, Mr. Wiart – who established Les Metalliers Champenois Corporation (LMC Corp) in Paterson, NJ – has been responsible for many historic restoration projects in the United States.

Here is a short list of LMC’s proudest achievements :

  • General Sherman Statue, Grand Army Plaza, Central Park, New York (1989),
  • The new spire for the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York (1990),
  • The restoration of the Statue of Justice on New York City Hall (1996),
  • The bronze entrance doors of the New York Public Library (1997),
  • The University Club balconies, New York (2005-2006),
  • The entrance gates of Miramar Estate on Bellevue Avenue, Newport R.I. (2008-2011).

LMC Corp. also produced considerable custom-made metalwork pieces for high-end private clients.

Back in fall 2012, Jean Wiart has embarked upon the restoration and revitalization of the family workshop located in Cambrai, North of France.

 

Honors and Awards :
Mr. Wiart is the recipient of the following US and French honors and medals :

  • Knight in the French Order of Arts and Litterature (1984)
  • Great Medal of the City of Cambrai (1987)
  • Gold Medal of French Craftsmanship (1987)
  • Distinguished plaque awarded by NOMMA (National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association)
  • Achievement Award by the French American Chamber of Commerce (1998)
  • Officer in the French Order of Merit (2001)
  • Knight in the French Order of the Legion of Honor (2009)
  • Paterson 225 Award (2017)
  • Recipent of the trophy ‘ Artisan without borders ‘ remitted by the Chamber of Artisans of Hauts-de-France region ( 2017)

AFFILIATIONS :

  • Member of the Companions of Duty (since 1987)
  • Past-Counselor to the French Foreign Trade Affairs (from 1999 until 2014 )
  • Member of the Board of Directors of the Beaux Arts Alliance (New York)
  • Advisory board member of the Institute for Classical Architecture & Classical America (N.Y.)
  • Life member of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen (NYC)
  • Life member of ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) and SAVTA (Safe And Vaults Technician Association)
  • Registered member of the Trade and Craft Chamber of North of France