Watchmaker Philippe Dufour and art printer Raynald Métraux honored by the Fondation Vaudoise pour la Culture

After the robot maker François Junod in 2013, the cutter Henriette Hartmann in 2014, the maker Florian Despond in 2015, this year two masters of art are honored by the Fondation Vaudoise pour la Culture: the cultural heritage prize goes to Philippe Dufour, independent watchmaker from the Vallée de Joux and the 2016 visual arts prize goes to Raynald Métraux, art printer, lithographer from Flon.

Philippe Dufour is the embodiment of the watchmaking tradition of the Valley: the independent watchmaker who, facing the window of his workshop, entirely manufactures watches of an incredible level of precision and finish. A living national treasure, the Japanese would say. Internet users say the Master, the Yoda, the absolute watchmaker... In the old village school, behind the plaque marked "Philippe Dufour, complicated watchmaking", his workshop smells of mechanical oil and pipe. A large room filled with works in progress, old pieces, prizes on the walls, souvenir photos. This is where the craftsman-artist creates his watches as one does paintings, even decorating the interior "for those who one day will repair the watch". The requirement and the passion for the well done.

Philippe Dufour: http://www.fvpc.ch/cms/index.php/component/k2/item/358-prix-du-patrimoine-culturel-immat%C3%A9riel-2016

Both solitary and sociable, Raynald Métraux is one of those men pursuing their path with strength and stubbornness. At the service of the artists to whom he offers a place of experimentation, this distinguished lithographer is also a publisher of contemporary prints, acting as a catalyst. To ensure the survival of the profession, of which he is the ardent defender, he alone ensures the complete chain, from production to meeting with the public: he is an authentic facilitator. For 25 years, this tutelary figure has been able to stay the course, a daily battle symbolized by the Herculean work which consists in carrying the stones used for printing and operating the hand presses of the 1850s, again and again, in a continuous renewal. of creations that make his workshop in Flon shine.

Raynald Métraux: http://www.fvpc.ch/cms/index.php/component/k2/item/355-prix-culturel-arts-visuels-2016

http://www.24heures.ch/culture/grand-prix-vaudois-culture/story/29169574