Auguste & Louis Jean Lumière (1862- 1954 and 1864-1948)

A group of 13 autochrome plates comprising family portraits, rural scenes, nature studies and a view of Lyon. 4 plates mounted in stiff display mounts with printed 'A. Lumière & ses fils - Lyon R. Dechavannes, Paris Déposé' to the lower right. One plate with a label 'Autochromes Lumière' on the lower right. The smaller plates with black tape at the edges, one with a small paper label on which inscribed in ink 'Contre-jour (1911)'. The small plates in two boxes, one bearing the Lumière Company's label and stamped 'a employer avant fin Janvier 1911'.

One of the small plates is broken at one edge, one has lost its protective tape at the edges, otherwise in excellent condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Autochrome process was invented by Auguste and Louis Lumière from Lyon. Best known as film pioneers with their invention of the Cinématographe in 1895, they had also been experimenting with colour photography for several years. In 1904, they announced their discovery and three years later began the commercial production of Autochrome plates at their factory in Lyon. The autochrome remained the principal colour photography process available until it was superseded by the advent of colour film during the mid 1930s.

The group of autochrome plates offered here belonged to the Lumière family and includes garden views at Montplaisir where the family lived.