Rich in its history, Raphaël belongs to the Max Sauer Group, an industrial group dedicated for more than 200 years in the fine arts sector.
History
In Paris, very close to the Pont Neuf, Mr. Parent founded his brush workshop in 1793. The Company prospered despite the uncertainties of the Revolution, the Empire and the Restauration. Gerard continued the activity from 1820 to 1825 , followed by Leferme from 1825 to 1847 an by Renard from 1847 to 1859. In 1859, at the age of 34, Charles Sauer bought the Company and moved it from Paris to Oinville, 50kms away. From 1895 to 1900 his son, Max Auguste Sauer, built a highly modern steam factory, in Hardricourt, near Oinville. In 1925, the manufacture of Fine Brushes was transferred to Saint -Brieuc by Max Sauer (junior). After the death of Max Sauer in 1960, the Max Sauer Company, headed by Michel and Gérard Sauer was transferred in 1967 to a new factory, extended in 1973 and 1987 together with another addition in 1991. With the fifth generation, the Company’s succession is now represented by Jean-Roch Sauer since 1975 and by Eric Sauer since 1987.
Quality
Innovation, research and development are combined with tradition and all know-hows. The family rigor in the management, team-work, optimum quality and service to all customers remain the priorities of the “Max Sauer sas” Company. Raphael brushes are made by highly skilled “pincelières”. Raphael pincelières are given extensive and rigorous training. The products are controlled at each stage of the manufacturing process. Handles and ferrules are chosen to ensure an attractive presentation as well as solidity. Tradition and know-how among Raphael brushmakers has been passed over many generations and extreme care is taken to “dress” fine hairs before the manufacturing stages. Each brush is unique: entirely hand-made, more than 30 people are involved in its production. The finished product is of supreme quality, thus ensuring continued pleasure of use which all amateur and professional Artists have come to recognise as synonymous with Raphael brushes.