A state of preservation close to perfection

More than 1,300 photographic prints contained in the original patent files are in a near-perfect state of preservation.

For example, the file for the patent granted in 1857 to Constant Adolphe DANTIER-DUVAL, a horticulturist from Versailles, contains a photograph of his invention of a new artificial sandstone composition, intended for the construction of artificial rocks.

Since the end of the 17th century, many gardens have been embellished with artificial grottoes to give them a more picturesque style: this is the rocaille style.

The photograph shows one of these compositions, together with tropical plants, which was probably built in the horticulturist’s greenhouse at number 9 rue des Missionnaires according to the patent file.

It is one of the oldest pieces stored in our archives.