Forain family 1908 - Mr. Emile FORAIN arrives in Annecy with his son Fernand. He opens a small shop selling antique objects. He himself was an amator collector.
1917 - A larger shop is opened at 8, Rue du Pâquier (this shop operated until 1992) Rue du Pâquier
Fernand Forain 1919 - His son Fernand returns from the Great War (1914/1918) and comes to help extend the business.
He equips himself with a Ford Model T van which allows him to work over a wider area.
This is when the Forain Company began to grow rapidly. The business already exported goods to England and to the United States of America.
1930 - Fernand Forain builds a vast warehouse.
An extensive stock of all styles and periods was acclaimed by visitors and purchasers alike.
1939 - A big house and warehouse were built in Annecy-le-Vieux, at 35, Rue Centrale, the present address.
1943 - Death of Emile Forain, founder of the business. Emile Forain in his warehouse
1946 - Jean Forain, son of Fernand and grandson of Emile, in turn comes to work in the business. A new period of expansion begins. Annecy and the whole of the Savoy region are a pole of attraction for well-off tourists who are interested in French Antiques.
Fernand and Jean Forain export all over the world.
The warehouse Rue Centrale, Annecy-le-Vieux 1953 - A new warehouse, separate from the family home, is built but still at 35, Rue Centrale in Annecy-le-Vieux. 1200 sq.m. of exhibition space.
1956 - Death of Fernand Forain. Jean Forain is 35 years old and takes over the management of the business created by his grandfather.
He continues to develop the company and exports to Italy and Spain.
1976 - Bernard Forain, son of Jean, Grandson of Fernand and great-grandson of Emile in turn comes to work in the business and maintain the reputation of the Forain company.
1992 - Bernard Forain and his wife Isabelle continue to develop the business by creating the Limited Liability company "PIERRE ET MEUBLE D'AUTREFOIS" in order to complete the antique furniture and objects commerce with antique materials (fencing, windows, parquet flooring, elements of garden decoration). Antique furnitures and objects
Forain family today 1997 - The Forain company is still as busy as ever and the life of this antique business will go on.
To date, 4 generations have fulfilled the requests of clients from numerous different origins on five continents.