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Gérard Louis Garnier (September 7, 1708 - October 3, 1786) was a French inventor of many 18th century household items, most notably the folding table.

Early Life
Garnier was born on September 7, 1708, in Bédoin, France, to Francis and Émile Garnier. His father, Francis Garnier, would make trips to the city of Strasbourg with Garnier when he was around the age of eight. Garnier, inspired by the craftsmanship of the local workers in Strasbourg, decided to learn about wood carving from his father. Around the age of fifteen Garnier had surpassed his father in carving, and took an apprenticeship with a craftsman in Strasbourg. Garnier stayed in the apprenticeship for the next ten years, when he moved to Strasbourg. There he produced the first folding table using a metal bar and two hinges to rotate the two sides.