CONTEMPORARY PHOTO COLLECTION « SUIVI DE CHANTIER »
Already in the 20th century, when it was first built, this dizzying construction site was the subject of numerous photo reports. It was natural to continue this work of memory.
The Samaritaine story dates back to 1870 when Ernest Cognacq founded his first shop at the corner of Rue du Pont-Neuf and Rue de la Monnaie. He and his wife, Marie-Louise Jaÿ, built the empire we know today, which was reborn in 2021 with the reopening of its department stores, fully restored to their former glory.
In the early 20th century during its construction and multiple extension phases, the site was already the subject of photographic records documenting the progress of the work and its innovative architecture, initially featuring the Art Nouveau and then Art Deco styles.
During the 2015-2020 renovation and restoration project, it was therefore essential to continue this photographic timeline to maintain the visual heritage of this extraordinary project in the heart of Paris, so dear to all those who know and love the iconic Samaritaine.
In 2013 Pierre-Olivier Deschamps had already been commissioned to carry out a photographic survey of the Samaritaine site in order to keep track and create a visual inventory of the original fixtures and fittings before work commenced. It was therefore only natural to call on him to follow all the phases of the construction site and the building's metamorphosis on a monthly basis. His precise architectural point of view showcases monumental spaces in graphic style, following their evolution yet preserving the original spirit of Samaritaine.
Vladimir Vasilev, who received a commendation in 2013 from Samaritaine’s Photo Competition’s judging panel, was commissioned to photograph the site workers, the men and women who brought Samaritaine back to life with their impressive skills and know-how. Individual photo shoots also took place in the artisans’ workshops, and the images on display show the restoration of Samaritaine's iconic heritage features - peacock paintings, ironwork, enamels, ceramics and more - and these colourful images, carefully framed, staged and produced in conjunction with these master artisans, bear witness to a strong human legacy throughout the construction site.
The combined inspiration of these two artists highlights the extensive work accomplished over the five-year period, so that visitors today can admire the rebirth of one of Paris’ most beautiful department stores.
