The “Objets Estampillés France” exhibition

The Origins of EasyStand: a Modular Exhibition System Born from a Scenography Project

EasyStand was born from a scenography idea: to create a lightweight, reusable and eco-conscious modular exhibition system capable of displaying images and content without tools and with a minimum amount of material.

The story began in 2013, with the publication of Objets Estampillés France, a book dedicated to iconic objects that embody French craftsmanship and design.

From the moment the book was published, Martin Méry, scenographer and designer, imagined extending the project into physical space: taking the photographs beyond the pages, displaying them at a larger scale and creating a travelling exhibition that could tour across France and internationally.

But one question immediately emerged: what kind of exhibition system could present these objects while remaining consistent with the values of the project?

Imagining an alternative to traditional exhibition systems

Rather than relying on a conventional event structure, Martin Méry set out to design his own exhibition system.

The brief gradually took shape: to create a modular and reusable structure that would be lightweight to transport, quick to assemble and dismantle, intuitive to use, quiet during installation and require no tools.

The design also had to minimise the amount of material used while prioritising recycled, recyclable and easily replaceable components.

The aim was to propose a different way of designing a stand, an exhibition, signage or an event space: use less material, reuse the same components and adapt the structure to each new project.

Two years of research and prototyping

The idea matured over several years before entering a full development phase.

With the support of Hervé Beaulieu and his engineering expertise, nearly two years were devoted to research, prototyping and testing: connection geometry, structural stability, dimensions, resistance, ease of assembly and material selection.

From this process, EasyStand gradually took shape.

The system is deliberately based on a limited number of components: cardboard tubes, display panels and connectors produced using 3D printing from recycled plastic. These elements can be assembled, dismantled and reused to create new configurations.

The same system can therefore be used to create a modular stand, a photographic exhibition, a partition wall, signage or a wide range of event installations.

A system designed and developed in Paris

EasyStand has been developed with a strong focus on keeping production as local as possible.

The connectors are 3D-printed in Paris, allowing parts to be produced as needed, reducing stock levels and making it easier to refine and evolve the system.

Laurence Soulez, art director and graphic designer, then created EasyStand’s visual identity and brand universe.

The meeting with Clément Védrine and Deléage, specialists in large-format printing and event production, enabled the project to move to the next stage: testing the system against real-world production, printing, installation and exhibition requirements.

The exhibition that gave birth to its own exhibition system

Thirteen years after the publication of the book, the idea first imagined in 2013 finally became reality.

In 2026, the photographic exhibition Objets Estampillés France was presented at BHV MARAIS in Paris, as part of Paris Design Week, with a scenography created entirely using the EasyStand system.

The project thus came full circle: the Objets Estampillés France exhibition directly inspired the creation of EasyStand, and thirteen years later EasyStand became the system that finally made the exhibition possible.

This story perfectly reflects the philosophy behind the project: starting from a real scenographic need to create a simple, adaptable and reusable tool that can now be used far beyond this first exhibition.

 
Credits :

• Original concept, author & photographic styling — Véronique Méry

• Photography — Christine Fleurent

• Art direction & exhibition graphic design — Laurence Soulez

• Concept & scenography — Martin Méry / IF

• Scenographic structures — EasyStand

• Photographic prints, installation & dismantling — Deléage

• Production — IF Martin Méry, with the support of Deléage

• Based on the book Objets Estampillés France, published by Éditions de La Martinière — 2013.

Practical information

OBJETS ESTAMPILLÉS FRANCE
Taking objects, craftsmanship and territories