Bicentennial of Photography: An Unmissable Celebration
On September 16, 2024, photography will celebrate its 200th anniversary!
To mark this momentous occasion, Spéos and the Nicéphore Niépce House are creating an exclusive exhibition that commemorates this key event in history.
This exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the origins of photography, a revolutionary invention that changed the way we perceive and document the world.
An Exhibition Dedicated to 200 Years of Photography
The exhibition explores the fascinating history of photography and highlights the efforts of Nicéphore Niépce, a visionary inventor who captured the first permanent image in 1824. Through historical documents, replica devices, and detailed explanations, the exhibition delves into the ingenious process Niépce used to create his first photographs.
Several themes are presented across the two floors of Quai de la Photo:
Nicéphore Niépce: The Man Behind the First Permanent Image
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, born in 1765 in Chalon-sur-Saône, is recognized as the inventor of the first permanent photograph, made in 1824. A visionary inventor, passionate about science from a young age, Niépce devoted much of his life to fixing images, following his experiments in other fields. His research led to the development of heliography, the technique that enabled him to capture the first known photograph, the famous “View from the Window at Le Gras.” Sadly, Niépce did not see his work fully recognized during his lifetime, as he passed away in 1833.
The Nicéphore Niépce House: A Historic Site of Invention
The “Le Gras” house in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes, where Niépce created the first photograph, is steeped in history. It was designated a “Maison d’Illustre” in 2013 by the French Ministry of Culture. Since 1999, excavations and research have uncovered original elements from Niépce’s workspace, including the floorboards and the window used to capture his first image.
Reproductions of Niépce’s Photographic Techniques
The exhibition also features faithful reproductions of the photographic processes employed by Niépce. Created by CNRS experts, these scientific reconstructions showcase the ingenuity of 19th-century methods. Visitors can also admire collections of vintage photographic equipment, loaned by collector Frédéric Hoch, which will captivate history enthusiasts and photography lovers alike.
A Documentary Film and a Must-Read Book
To deepen the experience, a documentary film about the restoration of the Niépce House will be screened, providing insights into the research conducted by CNRS and the Spéos photography school. Additionally, an on-site book gathering Nicéphore Niépce’s correspondence will be available for consultation, offering a treasure trove of information on the inventor and his work.
Visual Exploration Through Contemporary Artworks
A thematic section titled “The Nicéphore Niépce House as Seen By” presents the artistic interpretation of renowned photographers such as Janine Niépce, Paolo Roversi, and Daido Moriyama. This visual tribute provides a contemporary perspective on Niépce’s legacy and his contribution to photography.
The Petiot-Groffier Studio: A Treasure from Photography’s Past
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the presentation of Joseph Fortuné Petiot-Groffier’s laboratory, the oldest intact photographic studio. Discovered in 2007 after being closed for more than 150 years, this studio contains chemical flasks, devices, and original works, offering a fascinating glimpse into the early days of photography.
Exhibition Curation
This exhibition, organized in partnership with the Nicéphore Niépce House and the Spéos photography school, invites visitors to rediscover the captivating beginnings of photography through Niépce’s early experiments. The exhibition is curated by Robert Hyde of PhotoEllipse and Pierre-Yves Mahé, founder of Spéos and director of the Nicéphore Niépce House.
Artistic Coordination: Marion Briffod.
A look back at the opening of the exhibition celebrating the bicentennial of the invention of photography
Discover the photos from the opening night of the exhibition dedicated to the 200th anniversary of photography, held on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Quai de la Photo. Immerse yourself in the highlights of this exceptional exhibition, fully organized and supported by Spéos and the Niépce House, the only institutions to commemorate this historic milestone in 2024. These two organizations paid tribute to this now-essential art form, emphasizing their pioneering and crucial role in the preservation and promotion of the world’s photographic heritage.
