2008: The Bicentennial of the Invention of the Pyreolophore by the Niépce Brothers

2008: The Bicentennial of the Invention of the Pyreolophore by the Niépce Brothers

[cmsmasters_row][cmsmasters_column data_width=”1/1″][cmsmasters_text] At initiative of Manuel Bonnet, and with Jean-Louis Bruley’s technical supervising, Spéos and Maison Nicéphore Niépce have decided to celebrate the bicentennial of the Pyreolophore by rebuilding it as it was originally. It is the first internal combustion engine ever, which was invented and patented by the Niépce brothers in 1807. 10 years…

Nicéphore’s descendants visiting Saint-Loup

Nicéphore’s descendants visiting Saint-Loup

Jacqueline Bonnet had never been in the house where her ancestor, Nicéphore Niépce, succeeded for the first time in history in fixing an image. Last week, she went there with her son in a sort of pilgrimage to Saint-Loup-de-Varennes. I knew this house for having passed by many many times. People would tell me: that’s…

Nicéphore Niépce receives the Honours of the Institut de France

Nicéphore Niépce receives the Honours of the Institut de France

In 2008, the Academician Lucien Clergue invites Jean-Louis Marignier, researcher at the CNRS, at the Academy of Fine Arts to report on ten years of research and restoration at the Maison Niépce. Le Journal de Saône-et-LoireThursday, June 26th 2008 Yesterday, Jean-Louis Marignier, researcher at the CNRS and scientific consultant at the Maison Niépce at Saint-Loup-de-Varennes,…

The missing part of the world’s oldest photographic lab

The missing part of the world’s oldest photographic lab

Petiot-Groffier’s Residence Discloses Yet Another Secret… After the dry lab, Petiot-Groffier’s wet lab had been found in his former residence – completing the discovery of the world’s oldest photographic lab. UA photographic lab – even the world’s oldest – may hide yet another one, as Pierre-Yves Mahé could experience himself lately, and with great pleasure….

First exhibition of the pictures of Joseph Fortuné Petiot-Groffier lab

First exhibition of the pictures of Joseph Fortuné Petiot-Groffier lab

On June 22nd, 23rd and 24th, 2007 On the occasion of its second anniversary, Chambre avec Vues hosted a preview exhibition on Joseph Fortuné Petiot-Groffier’s lab — the oldest known in the world. To accompany this outstanding presentation in Paris, the gallery has brought together a selection of vintage prints and ancient processes: cyanotypes, chrysotypes,…

Petiot-Groffier: Businessman, Politician, and Photographer

Petiot-Groffier: Businessman, Politician, and Photographer

The discovery of the world’s oldest photographic lab The recent discovery of Fortuné-Joseph Petiot-Groffier’s lab reveals another side of this exceptional personality, to whom the inhabitants of Chalon owed quite many a thing during his lifetime. It had been hidden away for decades, when all of a sudden, it is caught by the bright limelight:…

2007: First presentation of the world’s oldest photographic lab (1840-1855)

2007: First presentation of the world’s oldest photographic lab (1840-1855)

Near Chalon-sur-Saône Turning a key in a lock has revealed a past hidden away for 152 years: the lab of one of the world’s very first photographers has been rediscovered. Intact and whole. In 1840, Joseph Fortuné Petiot-Groffier opens his lab, which he uses until 1855 – the time of his sudden death under mysterious…

The world’s oldest Photographic Studio and Lab

The world’s oldest Photographic Studio and Lab

The Photographic Studio and Lab of Fortuné Joseph Petiot-Groffier (1788-1855) This lab is the oldest existing we know of at present (thanks to the receipts, the chemicals can be dated back as far as 1840-41). From photography pioneers such as Niépce, Daguerre, Talbot or Bayard, no entire lab has been preserved, but individual ancient large…

2006: Daguerre’s Phosphorescent Images

2006: Daguerre’s Phosphorescent Images

In 1827, during Niépce’s stay in Paris, Daguerre shows him how he plans to capture the images taken by a camera obscura. Once the image is projected inside the camera, the luminal energy is absorbed by a layer of phosphorescent powder and reflected as a light emission. Unfortunately, the resulting phosphorescent image inside of the…