Gravée dans le temps

The École d'art appliqués de La Chaux-de-Fonds (EAA, La Chaux-de-Fonds School of Applied Arts) is closely entwined with the history of the town in the mountains of Switzerland's Jura region as a center of the Swiss watchmaking industry. It was founded in 1872 as a private initiative by the local Société des patrons graveurs (Society of Engravers) as a training facility for apprentices of their trade, who decorate the casings of pocket and wristwatches. As one of the oldest art schools in Switzerland, the EAA has offered varied and new training programs over the decades, some of which are unique today throughout Switzerland. Its most famous graduate is undoubtedly the architect Le Corbusier (1887-1965), who was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds as Charles-Édouard Jeanneret.

On the occasion of its 150th anniversary, this French language book, designed as a reference work, traces the EAA's history. The first historical section documents its development under the leadership of the seven directors so far. The second part, richly illustrated with numerous objects from the school's own collection, demonstrates what was taught and how, and illuminates what distinguishes the EAA today as an educational establishment for product design, visual communication, and fashion.