Founded by François-Simon-Alphonse GIROUX (Paris, 6 April 1776 - 24 April 1848, Paris), a French art restorer and ébéniste. He studied painting under Jacques-Louis DAVID, and founded an art restoration business near the end of the 18th century. He was the official restorer of Notre Dame Cathedral, and collected and exhibited art by Louis DAGUERRE, Charles Marie BOUTON, Charles ARROWSMITH, Charles RENOUX, and others. As well as restoring art, his business made and sold furniture in various styles for the French royal family and others.