Today the weather wasn’t great for me. Visibilty looked bad so I decided not to go skiing. Instead, I went to visit the Alpine Museum in Chamonix town. The museum is in a beautiful palace like building. It displays the history of the valley including print making, alpinism, skiing and tourism.
I particularly enjoyed learning about printmaking and why it was useful in the 18th century. Printmaking made reproduction possible. It appealed and was accessible to the masses. Tourists who started to arrive en masse to Chamonix during the golden age of alpinism created demand for souvenirs that they could take home. These prints were mainly made by engraving on metal plates. Cartography and landscape prints were popular.
As techniques improved, artists were able to become more creative with their designs.
Printmaking is a skill I really want to explore. I love the retro stylised Chamonix posters. They capture the glamourous golden age of skiing.
BulanLifestyle.com 
March 26, 2015 at 23:24
No way. I would love to have been born into a printing family. I find it very interesting. So much to learn. You are always so knowledgeable Charles. I’m so happy to have you as a friend 🙂
March 26, 2015 at 23:21
I agree with you!
March 26, 2015 at 22:43
Beautiful photographs… Thanks for the Museum Tour! … Cheers ⭐ Aquileana 😀
March 26, 2015 at 21:37
ll these local museums, they all have there charm and interesting bits and pieces. My family made their money from printing, I am the only one not to have gone into printing, though I did paging and design at our family press while at university, I also love prints, having made them from cut away vinyl floor tiles, potatoes and other such things. Great fun, best wishes and blessings, Charles.
March 26, 2015 at 21:08
I love vintage French posters. How perfect all of them are.