The BRUOT company, the last French snow globe factory
Christophe Bruot perpetuates a family know-how: the artisanal creation of exceptional snow globes .
At the head of a company founded in 1961 by his grandfather and then developed by his father, Christophe Bruot now imagines unique pieces, designed in close collaboration with his customers and manufactured entirely in his workshop, at the heart of a local network of trusted partners.
Driven by a taste for detail and a job well done, Christophe reinvents an object often considered kitsch to make it an elegant piece. In this interview, he shares the story of an exclusive model created for Oh My Gone : a snow globe adorned with a golden lion, a symbol of belonging and attachment to the city of Lyon.
What is your background?
Our company is first and foremost a family story. My grandfather is the founder, my father continued the adventure, I now represent the third generation, and my two sons the fourth. It is a transmission made of know-how, passion and high standards.
What do you like about your job on a daily basis?
What I love most of all is being a manufacturer. Creating a product from A to Z, from the initial design to the concrete realization, is an extremely stimulating process. I also appreciate the diversity of projects and clients. Working for major brands, imagining tailor-made pieces, constantly renewing our proposals. Every day brings its own set of challenges, it’s exciting.
Do you have any particular ethicsat Bruot ?
Since its creation, the company has been part of a circular economy approach. We have never really communicated about it, because for us it is simply common sense. All our suppliers are located a few kilometres from the workshop located in Arbent, in the Ain region. This proximity facilitates exchanges, promotes trust and allows problems to be solved in a few minutes when necessary.
So your business is to transform the snow globe into an elegant and tailor-made object ?
Indeed, we create fully customized snow globes, adapted to each customer request. For Oh My Gone, we are creating an exclusive snow globe featuring a golden lion, the emblematic symbol of the city of Lyon.
In the collective imagination, the snow globe is often associated with a kitsch object. For the past ten years, we have wanted to revisit this classic by refining the lines and imagining an elegant design. We want to offer an object that can be placed with pleasure on a desk or a shelf, like a beautiful book.
What do you think of the city of Lyon? Are there any neighborhoods that you particularly like?Is it a matter of course?
Lyon is a very beautiful city. I like to sit at a table in a bouchon, enjoy the proximity between the Saône and the Rhône, stroll through emblematic districts such as the Croix-Rousse, or enjoy the panoramic view from the Esplanade de Fourvière. And for shopping, the Presqu’île remains a must!
