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 27, 2015 at 07:04
Yes it seems like i was meant to go learn about the history of cartography and printmaking. 2 things that ive had on my mind lately x
March 27, 2015 at 07:02
A great weekend to you too Charles! X
March 27, 2015 at 00:37
I think you more than made the most of an “off day.” A nice interlude to your alpine activities 🙂
March 26, 2015 at 23:30
Thanks, I have done many things, and had many experiences during the course of my life so far. Have a great weekend, and enjoy the skiing. 🙂 Charles.
March 26, 2015 at 23:25
I’m happy you appreciate it as much as I did! 🙂