The Rediscovered Vault: Rare 1950s French Rives Paper Prints

These are not ordinary art prints.

Each piece is created on authentic French Rives printmaking paper in its monumental 26 × 40" format — a stock that vanished from the market over half a century ago.

Giclée Matte Color Style Print on 70-Year-Old Vintage French Rives Luxury Fine Art Paper

The inks absorb into the fibers of the luxury art paper and perform like a one-of-a-kind painting rather than — and unlike — nearly all modern art papers that coat only the top with ink.

Artisan craftsmanship: Every piece starts at 26 × 40" but is then shaped and reconfigured by the artisan artist to achieve the correct format for each artwork, ensuring every print is perfectly composed.

The Continental Art Supply Discovery

In 2017, when Continental Art Supply in the San Fernando Valley closed its historic doors, I acquired their entire hidden vault of vintage paper — not just one bundle, but over 300 giant bundles, separated into stacks that had been tucked away for decades. Alongside the French Rives, I also secured rare German photo rag and Italian mill stock from the 1950s, all preserved in untouched condition.

This isn't just paper. It's 70-year-old material history, once lost to time and rediscovered only when the store's supply closets were finally opened. For nearly a decade after I acquired it, I kept it sealed — waiting for the right project. Now, these sheets are finally being brought to life with modern inks, creating prints that look as if they stepped directly out of the 1950s, brand new.

Why This Matters

Historic fiber structure – The cotton base absorbs ink differently, leaving a surface effect no modern stock can duplicate.

Mid-century color character – Colors appear vibrant but slightly lifted, with the authentic tonal depth of 1950s printmaking.

Unrepeatable editions – With this supply gone, these prints will never be made again.

Owning one is like holding a bridge between two eras — today's precision printing, fused with materials from printmaking's golden age.