Maison Alphonse Giroux was founded in 1799 by the talented François-Simon-Alphonse Giroux, who was not only an art restorer and cabinet maker but also had the esteemed position of being one of the official restorers for the renowned Notre Dame Cathedral. The business was located at 7, Rue du Coq-Saint-Honoré in the vibrant city of Paris. Initially, they focused on selling artist's supplies and showcasing the exquisite products of Giroux's cabinetmaking skills.
His sons, André and Alphonse-Gustave joined the business in 1834. Upon the retirement of Francois-Simon-Alphonse Giroux in 1838, his eldest son, Alphonse-Gustave Giroux, took over the business as named ‘Alphonse Giroux et Cie’. Under his control, the business gained further acclaim for the quality of their work and merchandise, winning a silver medal at the 1839 Exposition des Produits de L’industrie Française.
In 1839, Louis-Jacques-Mande Daguerre, inventor of the Daguerrotype photographic process and its associated camera, signed one of two exclusive contracts with Alphonse-Gustave Giroux (his brother-in-law), to manufacture and retail the camera through his business.
In 1857, the business moved to 43 Boulevard des Capucines in Paris, their exclusive dual aspect department store, extending to the adjacent Rue Neuve des Capucines 24.
The business was taken over by Duvinage and Harinckouk in 1867.
François-Simon-Alphonse Giroux, born on 6th April 1776 in Paris and passed away on 1st May 1848 in Paris, was a talented French art restorer and ébéniste or cabinet maker.
Giroux had the privilege of studying painting under the renowned Jacques-Louis David. Towards the end of the 18th century, he established his own art restoration business, which would later become quite illustrious. Notably, Giroux held the esteemed position of being the official restorer of the Notre Dame Cathedral, showcasing his exceptional skills.
In addition to his restoration work, Giroux had a discerning eye for art and actively collected and exhibited works by notable artists such as Louis Daguerre, Charles Marie Bouton, Charles Arrowsmith, Charles Renoux, and many others. His business extended beyond restoration, as Giroux's team also crafted and sold furniture in various captivating styles, catering not only to the French royal family but also to other distinguished patrons.
Overall, François-Simon-Alphonse Giroux's passion for art restoration, his keen eye for collecting exceptional artworks, and his talent for furniture making made him a prominent figure in the art world of his time.
In June 1833, the esteemed company Alph. Giroux & Cie. played a pivotal role in introducing the Phénakisticope to France. This animation device was one of the earliest of its kind and had been invented almost simultaneously in Belgium and Austria. Giroux & Cie. not only brought the device to the French audience but also gave it a name that would become widely recognized. Their chosen name, 'phenakistiscope', was eventually adopted in England and underwent a slight misspelling as 'phenakistoscope'.
Giroux & Cie. is also renowned for their involvement in constructing the daguerreotype cameras designed by Louis Daguerre himself. These cameras were groundbreaking as they were the world's first commercially manufactured photographic cameras. One of the mass-produced daguerreotype camera cabinets, crafted by Giroux & Cie., was even displayed at the prestigious 1839 Exposition des produits de l'industrie française held in Paris. Although the camera did not win an award, Alph. Giroux did receive a silver medal for their exquisite jewelry box.
Overall, Alph. Giroux & Cie.'s contributions to the world of technology and photography through their introduction of the Phénakisticope and involvement in manufacturing daguerreotype cameras solidify their reputation as innovators and pioneers in the industry..