Despite 25 publications being postponed, low levels of chalcography activity and the temporary shutdown of the studios, the Rmn - Grand Palais publishing department proved it was up to the challenge and was highly responsive in adapting to the crisis situation rolling out substantial projects for the artists and museums. The fruits of these initiatives were innovation and solidarity that will last for a very long time indeed.
Despite the difficult context, some publications about the exhibitions that were open sold more than expected: Pompeii achieved sales of close to 8,250 copies during the first lockdown as a result of online publication of numerous content items and e-commerce; Chauveau at Orsay sold 2,860 copies; Fuji Pays de Neige in Guimet, part of the "Paper Treasures" collection, sold 6,650 copies.
Several catalogues were very popular, particularly on the Flammarion network, despite exhibitions having only been open for a short time (Spilliaert, Beardsley co-published Musée d Orsay) or not having opened at all (Noir & Blanc; Marc Riboud with the Musée Guimet; Paris pour Ecole with the Musée d Art et d Histoire du Judaïsme). Not to mention the publication Why is it fa- mous? about the Pompidou Centre, part of the second successful collection now well known to the general pub- lic, which sold 5,750 copies (the 1st volume, given over to the Orsay masterpieces, has been reprinted), and the Tissot catalogue sold 5,300 copies.
The art studios, on the other hand, managed to maintain a good work volume with a robust number of orders for special works and this enabled them to achieve and even exceed their turnover targets. There is a virtuous circle for the Studios with the public being increasingly drawn to online ordering facilitated by the website that is attracting more and more visitors. As for cast series, the best performance came from Pompon's Little white bear with close to 750 sales being recorded. Finally, online sales of Chalcographic items were up by more than 60% on the previous year and online sales of casts by 40%.
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