Jean-Daniel CLERC
(1955)
Jean-Daniel Clerc, founder and director of Galerie 1 2 3 since 1977, a lifetime of passion for vintage posters.
The adventure of Galerie 1 2 3 begins in April 1977, when Jean-Daniel Clerc discovers by chance twenty-one vintage posters under a wooden floor. They had been slid there in the 1920s as simple insulating material! The posters depict a Renault Grand Sport car at full speed. The beauty of the image, the quality of the colours and of the lithographic printing enthral Jean-Daniel Clerc – incidentally, he still owns a copy of this poster in his private collection.
After completing his studies in French literature, he embarks on a frantic quest for vintage posters. Although he sold some of his initial finds at the Geneva flea market, Jean-Daniel Clerc quickly understands the importance of this vanishing heritage. From then on, he relentlessly pursues his work of preserving and promoting vintage posters. He opens the Galerie 1 2 3 in 1983, meets with a number of pioneering collectors and the first dealers in Paris and New York, publishes specialised books, notably on winter sports posters, and collaborates on numerous exhibitions in Switzerland, the United States, Singapore and London.
In 1993, together with Robert Garvin, he sets up a workshop for the conservation and restoration of vintage posters in the centre of Geneva, developing over the years a unique know-how in the preservation of works on paper.
In 1996, Jean-Daniel Clerc takes part in the foundation of the IVPDA (International Vintage Poster Dealers Association), the umbrella association of original vintage posters dealers, of which he was one of the vice-presidents for several years, as well as an active expert on the authentication committee.
After more than 40 years of passion and challenges, Jean-Daniel Clerc still feels a great pride in participating in the rescue of a historical and artistic heritage that magnificently illustrates the last 150 years.
Jean-Daniel Clerc
Master in General Linguistic and French litterature.
Founder and Director of Galerie 1 2 3.
Collector and dealer established since 1977.
Writer, speaker and historian on vintage poster.
Founding member of the International Vintage Poster Dealer Association.
Member of the Authenticity committee and ex vice president of the IVPDA.
Expert for insurances and Swiss Courts.
