Publication of an Internet-accessible database resource for Arts et Metiers graphiques

Arts et Metiers graphiques (AMG) was a prominent French graphic arts magazine that was published in 68 issues from 1927 to 1939. Charles Peignot, head of the French typefoundry Deberny et Peignot, created the publication. Deberny et Peignot was the leading company of its kind in France. It manufactured not only thousands of metal type designs, but also machinery, furniture, and accessories for sale to the typesetting and printing industries. Charles Peignot, a young visionary with presses, metal type, and personal connections at his disposal secured his legacy in graphic arts history with the publication of Arts et Metiers graphiques. In it, he wanted to cover "all the subjects near or far from printing, of its history, and its diverse contemporary manifestations." In over ten years of publication Peignot's wide editorial goal encompassed subjects ranging from illustration, the history of the book and printing techniques and the then-expanding disciplines of advertising design and modern art photography. The magazine also featured regular reviews of fine limited-edition books and reprints of classical literature excerpts in typographically innovative layouts. Each edition was printed on high-quality papers with frequent tipped-in plates and inserts. Until the Second World War forced the magazine to cease production, Arts et Metiers graphiques was one of the highest standards for graphic arts magazines of its time. This thesis describes the creation and implementation of a web-based database providing access to the digitzed content of Arts et Metiers graphiques.