Fresson Quadrichromy
Description
“In 1951, when pigment processes were falling into disfavor, Pierre Fresson (1904–1983) of Atelier Fresson developed Fresson Quadrichromy, a four-color printing method based on the monochrome direct carbon process (charbon-satin) that had been invented by his father, Théodore Henri Fresson (1865–1951), and used by the family since 1899.13 It took Pierre about eight years to work out the new technique; the first successful color prints were produced in 1959 (Bruhat 2008). Fresson Quadrichromy is proprietary, and the Fresson family has kept the exact method used for coating the papers secret. There is no transfer involved during the printing process, which consists in coating, exposing, and developing successively on a single sheet of paper the four colors cyan, yellow, magenta, and black, in this order. Prints are made by enlargement from four separation negatives on four separate layers of pigments suspended in thin gelatin coatings. After each exposure, the nonhardened gelatin is removed with warm water containing sawdust as a mild abrasive. Each color layer is dried and coated with gelatin before the next color is laid on top. After the last color is developed, the print sometimes receives a protective coat of clear gelatin. At that point, the print is hardened and washed in order to make the surface permanent (Nadeau 1982). Fresson Quadrichromy prints became popular in artists’ circles during the 1970s and 1980s because of their excellent stability compared to that of color dye coupling prints (Fig. 3.10). The atelier, run today by Pierre’s grandson Jean-François and located in Savigny-sur-Orge near Paris, produces Fresson Quadrichromy prints up to 62 × 92 cm (Fresson 2008).”
(Pénichon, Sylvie (2013): Twentieth Century Colour Photographs. The Complete Guide to Processes, Identification & Preservation. London, Los Angeles: Thames & Hudson, on p. 90.)
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Pénichon, Sylvie (2013): Twentieth Century Colour Photographs. The Complete Guide to Processes, Identification & Preservation. London, Los Angeles: Thames & Hudson, p. 91.
Secondary Sources
Pénichon, Sylvie (2013): Twentieth Century Colour Photographs. The Complete Guide to Processes, Identification & Preservation. London, Los Angeles: Thames & Hudson, on p. 90. View Quote
