The House OF GOYARD
THE ORIGINS OF GOYARD:
MAISON MARTIN
Pierre-François Martin created Maison Martin in 1792, specializing in box-making, trunk-making, and packing at a time when the golden age of the great trunk-makers of the late 19th century was yet to come. Martin’s trade had more to do with the delicate art of garment folding and packing than with that of container-making, as was evident by the sign on the façade of his shop, which claimed that
"Maison Martin sells an assortment of boxes and cases; we provide quality packing services for fragile furniture and objects, as well as hats, gowns and flowers; we use oiled canvas, plain canvas and straw for packing; manufacturer of horse carriage trunks and coat racks, we also supply oilcloth and waterproof canvas, all at a fair price.”
The house of Martin quickly became a favorite with the French aristocracy and was eventually granted the prestigious title of official purveyor to HRH Marie-Caroline of Bourbon-Siciles, Duchess of Berry.
