The concept behind “Gutenberg re-engineered” originated when Maarten was carrying out a project about artists and craftsmen working in old industrial buildings near his photographic studio, just outside of Lausanne in Switzerland. During this project, he photographed printing presses at the nearby Atelier-Musée Encre & Plomb (Ink & Lead Museum).

Maximilian Büsser and Maarten van der Ende at the M.A.D. Gallery in Geneva

The world of books, paper and printing has always fascinated Maarten. His uncle was an artist who owned a typographic printing works, and books – in all their forms – have been an important element in Maarten’s life; he has always had them around him, and has even recently co-founded a small publishing house, producing artists’ and children’s books.

In the Ink & Lead Museum, Maarten discovered something powerful that spoke to him and he is now sharing that emotion with us through “Gutenberg re-engineered”. This series of nine stunning shots showcases the regality of the venerable machines that were traditionally at the heart of printing, with their majestic ink tables, rollers, levers and platens taking centre stage. Maarten’s use of light and shadow emphasizes on the details like the grain of the metal and the patina of time, instilling new life and soul into these extraordinary metallic dinosaurs.

Left: “Avenir” - Right: “Monospace”

The series also pays tribute to the master printers and craftsmen who operated the machines, while the exhibition title is a neat tip of the hat to Johannes Gutenberg, the 15th century pioneer of the printing press.

As well as being an art photographer, Maarten has developed a reputation as a superlative advertising photographer. It was in this guise that he first met Maximilian Büsser in 2001. They worked together on projects and later, when Max founded MB&F, he asked Maarten to become the ‘friend’ who takes all the official photos of MB&F’s timepieces. Maarten has a natural affinity with MB&F’s Machines, just as he does for the printing presses he has captured so evocatively in “Gutenberg re-engineered”. I invite you to visit the M.A.D. Gallery and witness for yourself this fabulous exhibition, which will go through the summer.

Source: MB&F