THE RENAISSANCE OF PRINTMAKING
In 1862, Parisian chemist François Charbonnel embarked on a new adventure. Driven by a pioneering spirit and scientific expertise, Charbonnel opened a small shop on the banks of the Seine, selling his own brand of art paper. There had been a spectacular revival of printmaking, triggered by the recent arrival of photography and photochemical processes. Until then, works of art had been reproduced by engraving, but artists were now beginning to rediscover lithographic processes. They needed specialised supplies, and Charbonnel's newly created grounds, inks and varnishes were just what they needed. Designed for intaglio, etching and lithographic printing, they quickly attracted artists such as Pissarro, Renoir, Degas, Manet, Lautrec and Signac to the shop. Charbonnel's materials soon became renowned worldwide for their unrivalled quality.
PARIS: THE CAPITAL OF ART PRINTING
Charbonnel continued to create and develop his business. Formulations were continually improved, taking into account feedback from artists while incorporating new advances in chemistry. New materials were developed for new reproduction techniques. Located in a traditionally artistic neighbourhood, close to the École des Beaux-Arts and the Louvre, the Charbonnel shop became a favourite meeting place for artists. Picasso, Chagall, Dali and Klee were loyal customers and used Charbonnel products in their work. In the 1930s, a new photomechanical process, offset printing, emerged. Traditional lithographic printing techniques, however, continued to be popular in the fine arts world. Art prints remained the preferred means of publishing original works of art and continue to occupy a high-profile position.
TODAY, THE FUTURE
Today, more than 150 years after our foundation, we continue not only to supply inks and grounds for engraving and lithography, but we have also expanded our collection to include materials for restoration, gilding, conservation and fresco painting. Now a member of the Lefranc Bourgeois family, we remain the international benchmark for art printing.