The Building Known as Ty Kodak

The building known as Ty Kodak

The Quimper audio-guided tour presents you with the building known as Ty Kodak, one of the rare Art Deco examples of the city, surprising amid the medieval façades.

An Art Deco touch in Quimper

If Quimper mostly lines up medieval, Gothic and Renaissance buildings, the building known as Ty Kodak is an exception. Built in 1933, it is one of the rare Art Deco examples of the city, with its clean lines and its characteristic "ocean liner" style, due to the Parisian architect Olivier Mordrelle. It had its first functions as a shop for the son of Joseph Villard, a dynasty of Quimper photographers who, for nearly a century, immortalised the Finistère and declined their photos in some four thousand postcards. "Ty" means "house" in Breton. While the façade has lost a little of its shine, its blue ceramic bands continue to distinguish it.

What there is to see

The Ty Kodak building surprises with its Art Deco style and its ocean liner appearance, rare in Quimper. Its clean lines and its blue ceramic bands contrast with the neighbouring half-timbered houses. It is a witness of the Villard photographer dynasty and of the modernity of the twentieth century, to be admired along the walk.

Practical information

The building known as Ty Kodak is in the centre of Quimper. Its façade can be contemplated freely from the street, at all hours and on the level.

Why is the building called Ty Kodak?

"Ty" means "house" in Breton; the building was first a shop linked to the Villard photographer dynasty.

From when does the Ty Kodak building date?

From 1933; it is one of the rare Art Deco examples of Quimper, due to the architect Olivier Mordrelle.