by
André Rouillé
The Workshop | The Fresson Process
In the secrecy of their workshop, a real time capsule that takes us back to the 19th century, the Fresson grandson and great-grandson are at work. Guardians of a legendary photographic process, they can spend up to two weeks on a single print. An intimate film that offers insight into a technique, but also into a family of craftsmen who have been part of the history of photography for more than a century. A rare documentary that reveals the difficulty of preserving an art that is slow and fragile in a world addicted to speed, where digital and inkjet printers reign.
Synopsis
In the secrecy of their workshop, a real time capsule that takes us back to the 19th century, the Fresson grandson and great-grandson are at work. Guardians of a legendary photographic process, they can spend up to two weeks on a single print.
An intimate film that offers insight into a technique, but also into a family of craftsmen who have been part of the history of photography for more than a century. A rare documentary that reveals the difficulty of preserving an art that is slow and fragile in a world addicted to speed, where digital and inkjet printers reign.
What you will learn in this film…
A unique printing process • Direct charcoal printing • The stages of a four-colour print • An entirely artisanal photographic printing workshop created by a carpenter • Seeing an image appear with Fresson know-how• Seeing retouching by hand • The Fresson workshop archives • Preparation of a colour based on pigments • Founder Théodore-Henri Fresson's great inventions • A craftsman-printer's tips
At the start, I have a fairly precise idea of what I want to do. Then you have to give way to the process. The process has its own personality too.
Film Chapters
00:00 Colour separation
03:11 Blue and yellow
21:36 Archives and red
29:12 The Fresson kitchen
36:14 Purple, black and finishing off
Accessible on all your devices, whenever you like
The Darkroom Rumour is available anytime, via streaming, anywhere in the world, on your connected TV, computer, tablet and mobile.
Linked Articles
by
André Rouillé
The authors/artists
Michel Fresson
Artisan
Jean-François Fresson
Artisan
Thomas Goupille
Film Director
Further exploration
This content is reserved for subscribers of
The Darkroom Rumour
Every month, films and articles to inspire your photography
from 2,99€/month
• BERNARD PLOSSU : WESTERN COLORS - author: Francis Hodgson ; 2016 ; Thames and Hudson Ltd
• EDGES - artist: Dolorès Marat ; 1996 ; Dewi Lewis Publishing
Wood enlarger • pigments • 90° alcohol • Dichromate • Sawdust • Pans • Fans • Gas lamp
