At Silmo 2025, visitors are discovering that the renowned eyewear trade show offers much more than just cutting-edge innovations and new product launches. The event has become a hub for learning and skill development, featuring interactive workshops that allow attendees to experience traditional craftsmanship firsthand. One particularly engaging workshop focuses on the intricate art of plexiglass engraving, a technique that requires both precision and artistic flair.
Sara, a workshop participant and presenter, recently put her dexterity to the test by trying her hand at plexiglass sculpture under the expert guidance of Xavier Christin. Christin holds the prestigious title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) in eyewear craftsmanship, representing the highest level of professional recognition in French trades. His workshop at Silmo provides visitors with a rare opportunity to learn from one of the country's most skilled artisans in the optical field.
The workshop exercise involves creating geometric patterns through precise engraving techniques using a specialized turbine tool. This process demands exceptional accuracy and fluid wrist movements to master the complex dual motion of plunging and moving the turbine across the plexiglass surface. The goal is to achieve the distinctive white effect that characterizes professional-quality engraving work. Participants must develop both the technical skill to control the tool and the artistic vision to create appealing geometric designs.
Christin emphasizes the workshop's inclusive and educational mission, welcoming visitors of all skill levels to participate in this hands-on learning experience. "We welcome everyone," Christin explained. "And if there's a little bit of time available, we can do some quick work to get a feel for the material." This approach reflects the broader philosophy of knowledge sharing that has become a hallmark of the Silmo experience, transforming the trade show from a purely commercial event into an educational platform.
The workshop represents a growing trend at industry events to combine business networking with skill development and cultural preservation. By offering these hands-on experiences, Silmo 2025 helps ensure that traditional craftsmanship techniques continue to be passed down to new generations of optical professionals, while also providing visitors with a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved in eyewear creation.
