STUDIO

A luminous and calm space that invites creativity, the printshop is fully equipped with worktables, several presses and a wide selection of tools.  

For artists who wish to work in the studio space on a specific project, it is not required that they be familiar with printmaking techniques. However, it is strongly suggested that they have a clear vision of the project in question.

The team delights in adapting its services to match the artist’s approach to his or her work. In order to obtain the desired results, Alain and Agathe rely on their 45 years experience to explore new fusions of various printing methods. Exploration and novelty are encouraged! Furthermore, the team has access to external experts that specialize in other various printing methods.

THE TEAM

Alain Piroir, RCA is a master printer and publisher rooted in the European tradition of printmaking. Originally from France, he first studied at the École des Beaux-Arts before continuing his training as a printer in Paris. With more than 51 years of experience, he has built a career between Paris, Lyon, and Montréal, collaborating with many internationally renowned artists, including Jean-Paul Riopelle, Francis Bacon, Man Ray, Max Ernst, Zao Wou-Ki, Roberto Matta, as well as Robert and Sonia Delaunay.

Recognized for his commitment to the transmission of knowledge and excellence in the print studio, Alain Piroir acts as a mentor, museum advisor, and expert frequently consulted by universities. His career has been acknowledged with several distinctions, including the International Saint-Denys-Garneau Prize (2021), jointly awarded for his lifetime contribution to the field of artists’ books; the title of Master Artisan of the Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec (2022); and his election as a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (2022). He was also a finalist for the Charles-Biddle Prize (2022), the Robert Jekyll Prize of the Canadian Crafts Federation (2024), and the Jean-Marie Gauvreau Prize (finalist in 2021 and 2024). His cultural engagement is also reflected in a long-standing partnership with the International Biennial of Contemporary Printmaking in Trois-Rivières, where the Atelier-Galerie A. Piroir Prize has been awarded since 2011.

Agathe Piroir, RCA, a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, is a master printer and publisher of artists’ books and fine art prints, recognized as one of the leading figures in fine art printing in Canada. Alongside her father, Alain Piroir, who founded his studio in Paris in 1975, she contributes to renewing contemporary printmaking and promoting the art of engraving in Canada. After settling in Montréal, she printed notably for Jean-Paul Riopelle before founding, in 2007, the gallery space of the studio, now internationally recognized for its work in printmaking and artists’ books.

Trained in intaglio printmaking in the family studio, she further developed her expertise in France, Québec, and the United States, notably at Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE) in New York. She has collaborated with internationally renowned artists such as Robert Rauschenberg and Kiki Smith, while pursuing technical research that combines tradition and innovation.

Her works are included in several prestigious collections: her artists’ books have been acquired by the University of Toronto and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, while some of her prints are part of the collection of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

Recipient of the Honour Scholarship from the Québec Ministry of Culture and Communications (2023) and finalist for the Jean-Marie Gauvreau Prize (2024) in co-nomination with her father, she now directs the International Saint-Denys-Garneau Prize, dedicated to recognizing creators in the field of artists’ books. She is also the director of the Faiseurs d’Images collection, an editorial program she oversees from Montréal, bringing together artists and fine art bookbinders from Canada and abroad.

Agathe is currently preparing several major exhibitions: works from the Faiseurs d’Images collection will be presented in 2027 at the Wittockiana in Brussels, followed by an exhibition at the American Bookbinders Museum in San Francisco. In 2029, a major exhibition dedicated to her prints will take place at the Musée du Dessin et de l’Estampe originale de Gravelines, in France.

SERVICES

Printing and technical assistance is offered for the following techniques: intaglio, etching, collagraphy, photo etching, linocut, xylography, chine collé and digital printmaking (within mixed media works).  Demonstrations and training can be provided to learn or master specific techniques. A wide selection of paper stock including Japanese papers, rag paper such as Arches, Somerset and Hahnemûhle is available at the workshop as well as a variety of copper, plastic and cardboard plates. 

Do not hesitate to forward any questions you might have and to discuss your printmaking project.  For a quote, please contact us to set up a meeting, as an evaluation cannot be established over the phone.

PRINTMAKING SERVICES

Price per copy for printing and 70 dollars per hour for technical assistance, etching and photo etching services.

DIGITAL SERVICES

Price per copy for scans, printing on acetate and special papers. 55 dollars per hour for image retouching or in-depth digital work.

CONTRACT CONDITIONS

The following conditions apply to all contracts. In handing over a project the client is presumed to understand and accept the conditions of the contract. In case of dissatisfaction, the client must advise us before the signature of the work, all signed works are considered as accepted. All materials given to the workshop are treated with the utmost care, however we will not be held responsible for the deterioration of originals or plates that may occur during the printing process. The client must pick up all work and materials within 30 days, after this delay the workshop will not be held responsible.