Albert Khan’s photographers took some astonishing shots (or rather ‘autochromes’) of the Brittany region of the early 20th Century, a part of France that had remained mostly unchanged, and the scenes are really something amazing…

Fisherman on a rock, looking at the sea. Circa 1909-1912. Autochrome by Gustave Gain, Inv. 89.464. © MIMDI

With 135 photos and even some films, this new exhibition at the Musée Albert Kahn shows how much can change in just 100 years.

With autochromes from the museum collection, as well as contributions lent by the Société Française de Photographie, the Cinémathèque Robert-Lynen, the musée de Bretagne and private collection of Gustave Gain, the exhibition shows famous sites, scenes of rural life and even religious ceremonies. You’ll be amazed at how things looked back then (after all, 100 years isn’t that long ago)…

M. Masson and his team of fishermen prepare to go out to sea. Roscoff (Finistère), 6th April 1920. Autochrome by Georges Chevalier, Inv. A 20840. © Musée Albert-Kahn – Département des Hauts-de-Seine

La Grande Troménie - Reposoir Ecce Homo. Locronan (Finistère), 14-21 July 1929. Autochrome by Roger Dumas, Inv. A 60370. © Musée Albert-Kahn – Département des Hauts-de-Seine

After a quick explanation of the autochrome process at the beginning of the exhibition, the photos are presented by theme:

- The picturesque villages and their inhabitants,

- The coast, perfect material for photographers (who often followed the routes given in local guides),

- The 1929 Troménie de Locronan, an ancestral religious procession that was not only documented in photo but also in film, some of which are in colour,

- End of the exhibition with some views of ports and sunsets!

Concarneau (Finistère), circa 1911. Autochrome by Jules Gervais-Courtellemont, Inv. A 708. © Cinémathèque Robert-Lynen, Ville de Paris

Bigouden in bridegroom costume. Penmarc’h (Finistère), 29th February 1920. Autochrome by Georges Chevalier, Inv. A 20287. © Musée Albert-Kahn – Département des Hauts-de-Seine

Don’t forget that the museum also has some incredible gardens. We told you all about them a few months ago (here).

The Albert Kahn museum and gardens. Bottom left the exhibition space, the French garden and hothouse in the centre, top left the 'blue' forest and right the Vosges-style forest © CG92 / Olvier Ravoire

Fishermen from Douarnenez (Finistère), circa 1911. Autochrome by Jules Gervais-Courtellemont, Inv. A 734. © Cinémathèque Robert-Lynen, Ville de Paris

The exhibition Bretagne : voyager en couleurs (1907-1929) is at the Musée Albert Kahn (here) from 20th October 2009 – 4th July 2010.

Open every day except Monday from 11am – 6pm (7pm from 1st May onwards).

Admission 1.50 €, free for under-12s.

Official site: www.albert-kahn.fr

Facebook page here.