Visages d'Amboise

The project

Visages d'Amboise is a completely free public exhibition of black-and-white portraits, conceived and created by professional photographer Mark Playle. The exhibition coincides with a major historical milestone: the bicentenary of the world’s first permanent photograph, created in 1826 by French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce.

The Spirit of the Collection

The collection highlights the faces of the artisans, shopkeepers, and workers who shape and bring life to the daily rhythm of Amboise.

The Choice of Black and White

By working exclusively without colour, I wanted to eliminate visual distractions and to focus intensely on the character, expression, and unique story of each subject.

A Non-Commercial Endeavour: None of the works in this exhibition are for sale. The project was conceived solely as a grand "thank you" to the men and women who make Amboise such a special place.

The Concept

A Discovery Trail. Rather than grouping the works in a traditional gallery, the exhibition takes the form of a self-guided discovery trail winding through the town centre. Visitors are invited to step inside participating shops and venues to view the portraits displayed in their natural settings.

The goal of this experience is as much to celebrate the art of photography as it is to encourage the exploration of Amboise’s independent shops and rich artisan trades.

Mark Playle