In 1936, Albert Mermoud founded La Guilde du Livre in Switzerland. The publishing house distinguished itself through high-quality printing, affordable prices and accessibility. The book club quickly became a huge success. From 1,500 members in its first week, the Guilde grew to more than 100,000 subscriptions by 1957. Paris des rêves, Grand Bal du Printemps and Charmes de Londres, to name just a few titles, became iconic French photography books and were repeatedly reprinted. Izis, Paul Éluard, Jacques Prévert, Jean Cocteau and André Malraux were among the many renowned names who contributed to the book club. More than a thousand titles were published before 1977, ranging from novels to art books and children’s books, although photography remained at the heart of the collection. In 2012, a book looking back at the history of La Guilde du Livre was published: Les Albums Photo-Graphiques 1941–1977. In Parisian antiquarian bookshops, copies in ‘en bon état’ command handsome prices. But keep your eyes peeled at a book fair: with a little luck, you might still pick up a copy for a bargain.

A selection is now on display in our library. Watch out!

21.09.26 – 30.10.26: 8u.30 – 16u.30

Bibliotheek Sint Lucas Antwerpen, Van Schoonebekestraat 143, 2018 Antwerpen