Atelier 17

Atelier 17 was a revolutionary printmaking workshop that transformed the medium from a mere reproductive tool into a sophisticated laboratory for modern art. Founded in 1927 by the British artist and former chemist Stanley William Hayter, the studio took its famous name from its address at 17 rue Campagne-Premiere, where it moved in 1933. Rather than maintaining a rigid hierarchy of teacher and student, Hayter fostered a collaborative environment where artists of all levels could experiment freely, often sharing ideas and technical discoveries. This spirit of open exploration turned the studio into a vital hub for international Surrealists and, later, the pioneers of Abstract Expressionism.