FIGURART
French Atelier - handcrafted collectible figurines in pewter
Figurart — L'Atelier des Collections, founded in 2021 in Compiègne, brings together Helen Bourch, a craftswoman specializing in miniature painting, and Benjamin Zerbib, a sculptor and engraver of molds for flat and three-dimensional figurines. The workshop creates custom-made, limited-edition pewter collectible figurines and art statuettes for collectors, prestigious brands, and cultural institutions in France and internationally.
FIGURART
the collections workshop in Compiègne
French Artisan of Art - Historical and Modern Collectible Figurines
Our workshop in Compiègne perpetuates the ancestral techniques of making pewter figurines . Located in the heart of the historic city of Compiègne , the cradle of the French figurine tradition, we combine traditional know-how and artisanal innovation .
Each lead soldier is cast, trimmed, and painted using traditional methods passed down through generations. Our team of skilled artisans has mastered the techniques of tin casting and miniature painting . All our collectible figurines come with a certificate of authenticity.
How are our collectible figurines made?
Each figurine is born from an age-old craft . The subject is first sculpted or engraved in a mold for flat figurines. Then comes the casting: high-quality pewter , a noble material worked in the tradition of master founders, heir to the famous " lead soldiers " of yesteryear. The piece is then trimmed , prepared, and then entirely hand-painted by Helen Bourch, a Master Craftswoman specializing in miniature painting. A protective varnish provides the finishing touch, and each creation leaves the workshop accompanied by its certificate of authenticity . A rigorous manufacturing process, carried out with constant attention to detail, from the initial design to the final touch: this is what guarantees each piece superior quality and makes Figurart a French manufacturer of art figurines in the purest tradition of artisanal excellence.
From the lead soldier to the tin figurine: a French heritage
Lead soldiers—the "little soldiers" of our childhood—have captivated generations of collectors, from the display cases of grand 19th-century Parisian workshops to the tales of Andersen. At Figurart, we perpetuate this tradition with the same techniques—engraving, casting, and fine brush painting—and a nobler, safer, and more durable metal: tin. From historical effigies to statuettes inspired by fairy tales or comics, our collectible figurines are the direct heirs of this French art: true miniature works of art of exceptional quality, designed for experienced collectors and passionate enthusiasts alike, to be displayed, passed down, and collected from generation to generation.
Art figurines for museums and exceptional homes
Museums, cultural institutions, and luxury brands, both in France and internationally, entrust our workshop with the creation of their exclusive figurines, encompassing a wide range of expertise: historical figurines, period reproductions, dioramas, limited editions, and pieces for museum shops. We also design trophies and corporate gifts for companies seeking a truly handcrafted, small-batch item made in France. Each project is supported from conception to delivery.
Your personalized figurine, from idea to object
A portrait, a mascot, a historical figure, a family heirloom: we create your custom figurine, whether a unique piece or a small series. You provide us with an idea, a photo, or a sketch; we create an original piece: sculpting, molding, hand-painting, and presentation in a box. Please allow 4 to 8 weeks depending on the complexity of the project.
An art studio in Compiègne, collections shipped all over the world
Located in Compiègne, just outside Paris, our workshop ships weekly to France, the UK, the US, and worldwide, with tracking and insurance, in eco-friendly protective packaging. Visit us at our Compiègne workshop, discover our creations in Paris at Au Plat d'Étain , explore the world of figurines at the Musée de la Figurine , or browse our online catalog.
The Excellence of Collectible Figurines Made in France
Each collectible figurine that leaves our workshop is the result of meticulous and passionate work, exclusively carried out in France. This commitment to excellence is officially recognized: Helen Bourch holds the title of Artisan d'Art, and our workshop is a member of Ateliers d'Art de France, the network of French craftspeople. These two guarantees, for the most discerning collectors, ensure that behind each piece lies a hand, a skill, and a tradition—not a mass-produced assembly line.
Helen Bourch - Miniaturist Artist
Helen Bourch , founder of FIGURART, is a miniature artist with a passion for the art of figurines. Trained in traditional miniature painting techniques at the Minsk School of Fine Arts , she established this workshop in 2021 to perpetuate and modernize the French craft of historical figurines . Her expertise ranges from faithful historical reproductions to contemporary artistic creations, including the restoration of antique pieces. Each figurine bears her artistic signature and reflects her commitment to artisanal excellence.
Alongside him is Benjamin Zerbib , a sculptor trained at the Sèvres porcelain factory , one of the last figurine sculptors and engravers of molds for flat figurines in France. He is the one who brings each subject to life: from the drawing to the engraving of the mold, an exceptional skill that only a handful of artisans still master.
Traditional French Craftsmanship & Noble Materials
Traditional French Know-How
FIGURART is part of the French tradition of collectible figurines , heir to a centuries-old know-how that we keep alive on a daily basis: tin casting , miniature sculpture and painting according to ancestral methods, enriched by today's innovations.
Our materials are chosen for their durability: high-quality pewter, professional acrylic paints with stable colors, and a protective varnish that preserves the brilliance of the pieces over time. Each step is carried out by hand in our workshop in Compiègne—this guarantees the authenticity , uniqueness, and traceability of each figurine, from the first brushstroke to the accompanying certificate of authenticity.
Our Specialized Services
Restoration
of Lead Soldiers & Collectible Figurines
Our restoration service breathes new life into your antique figurines and collectible lead soldiers . We handle all types of damage: repainting , repairing breaks , and reconstructing missing parts .
Each restoration respects the historical authenticity of the original piece. Our expert restorer uses techniques and colors faithful to the period, guaranteeing an invisible and lasting restoration . We also treat pieces affected by corrosion, the infamous " lead disease " of antique figurines.
Museum Design and Professional Services
FIGURART supports museums , collectors , and institutions in their museum design projects. We create faithful reproductions for exhibitions, historical dioramas , and thematic collections .
Our services include historical research , prototype creation , limited series production , and museum display support . Each project benefits from our expertise in military history and historical costume .
Custom-Made Creations
We create custom figurines to your specifications: miniature portraits, specific uniforms, historical scenes, or original artistic creations. The process unfolds in four stages: project review , prototype sculpting, your approval, and then handcrafted production —casting, hand-painting, and boxing. You are involved at every stage until the final piece is complete.
Custom packaging and boxes
We understand the importance of packaging and gift boxes , which we can personalize to suit your items. Whether for modern or antique pieces, our creativity knows no bounds, but it is above all our expertise that guarantees optimal protection , preventing any damage during transport.
At Figurart , we place particular importance on eco-responsibility . We prioritize French cardboard manufacturers and limit the use of non-biodegradable materials as much as possible. Our commitment to sustainable practices is reflected in our approach to packaging, favoring simplicity and elegance. We always adapt our packaging to the specific needs of retail and product display locations.
Discover Our Collections
Historical Tin Figurines
We create collections of historical figurines covering all major periods: Antiquity , Middle Ages , Renaissance , Napoleonic Empire , World Wars . Each figurine is hand-painted according to authentic uniforms and period colors .
Our historical figurines are the result of in-depth research in collaboration with specialist historians . They constitute genuine historical documents in miniature, perfect for collectors and history enthusiasts .
Collectible Lead Soldiers
FIGURART lead soldiers perpetuate the French tradition of the toy soldier . Our collections include Napoleonic armies , regiments of the Ancien Régime , colonial troops , and contemporary armies .
Each lead soldier is cast in our workshop using traditional techniques . The meticulous painting adheres to historical military regulations and the finest uniform details .
Custom collectible miniatures
Our personalized miniatures transform your ideas into works of art: a portrait figurine, a family scene, a company mascot. It's the ultimate personalized gift—a unique piece, signed by our artisans, presented in its box, that lasts for years where other gifts are forgotten. A perfect gift idea for a birthday, retirement, wedding, or corporate event.
