Bicentennial of the Invention of Photography: A Must-See Celebration

On September 16, 2024, photography celebrates its 200th anniversary! On this occasion, the Maison Nicéphore Niépce and Spéos International Photography School (which has managed the Maison Niépce since 1999) are organizing an exclusive exhibition to commemorate this landmark event in history. This exhibition takes visitors back to the origins of photography, a revolutionary invention that changed the way we perceive and document the world.

> Discover TF1’s report on the 200th anniversary of the invention of photography, broadcast on November 9, 2024 on the 8pm news

An Exhibition Dedicated to 200 Years of Photography

This exhibition traces the fascinating history of photography and the efforts of Nicéphore Niépce, a visionary inventor, who captured the first permanent image in 1824.

Through period documents, replicas of cameras, and detailed explanations, this exhibition explores the ingenious process Niépce used for his first photographs.

Several themes are presented over 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 the recognized inventor of the first permanent photograph, taken in 1824. This visionary inventor, passionate about science from a young age, dedicated much of his life to capturing images after conducting scientific experiments on other inventions. His research culminated in the technique of heliography, which allowed him to capture the first known photograph, the famous “View from the Window at Le Gras.” Unfortunately, Niépce did not see his work fully recognized during his lifetime, as he passed away in 1833.

The House of Nicéphore Niépce: A Historical Site of Invention

The “du Gras” house in Saint-Loup de Varennes, where Niépce took the first photograph, is steeped in history. It was labeled a “Maison d’Illustre” in 2013 by the Ministry of Culture. Since 1999, excavations and research have uncovered original elements from the inventor’s workspace, such as the flooring and the location of the window used to capture the first image.

Reproductions of Niépce’s Processes

The exhibition also features faithful reproductions of the photographic processes used by Niépce. Created by CNRS experts, these scientific reconstructions demonstrate the ingenuity of 19th-century techniques. You can also admire collections of old photographic equipment, loaned by collector Frédéric Hoch, which will delight history enthusiasts and technology buffs.

A Documentary Film and an Essential Book

To deepen the discovery, a documentary film on the renovation of the Niépce House will be screened, providing insight into the research undertaken by CNRS and the Spéos photography school. Additionally, a book compiling the correspondence of Nicéphore Niépce will be available for consultation on-site, offering a wealth of information about the inventor and his work.

Visual Exploration through the Works of Contemporary Artists

A thematic panel titled “The House of Nicéphore Niépce as Seen By” presents the artistic interpretations of renowned photographers such as Paolo Roversi, Daido Moriyama, and Janine Niépce. This visual tribute offers a contemporary perspective on Niépce’s legacy and his contribution to photography.

The Petiot-Groffier Workshop: 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 surviving photographic studio. Discovered intact in 2007 after being closed for over 150 years, this workshop contains bottles of chemicals, cameras, and original documents, offering a fascinating glimpse into the early days of photography.

Exhibition Curatorship

This exhibition, organized in partnership with the Maison Nicéphore Niépce and the Spéos photography school, allows visitors to rediscover the fascinating beginnings of photography through Niépce’s early experiments.

The exhibition is curated by Robert Hyde of PhotoEllipse and Pierre-Yves Mahé, creator and director of the Maison Nicéphore Niépce and founder of the Spéos photography school.

Artistic coordination: Marion Briffod.

A look back in pictures at the 200th anniversary photography exhibition

Discover the photos from the opening of the Bicentennial of the invention of photography, which took place at Quai de la Photo on Monday, September 16, 2024. Relive the best moments of this landmark exhibition through images, organized and fully funded by Spéos and the Niépce House. These two institutions were the only ones to mark and celebrate this historic 2024 anniversary, honoring this essential art and highlighting their central and pioneering role in promoting the world’s photographic heritage.