Preface

The Art of Seeing Differently

Some objects do more than simply show us the world. They invite us to see it differently.

A kaleidoscope is one such object.

A few fragments of glass, a play of mirrors, a little light… and suddenly infinite landscapes emerge: fleeting architectures, worlds that vanish almost as soon as they are seen.

Since 1977, we have sought to preserve this simple magic: that of an object made by hand, capable of turning an ordinary gesture into a moment of wonder.

This book invites you to discover our world, its history, its secrets and its creations.

Sometimes, all it takes is turning a page to see the world differently.

Après la pluie

Introduction

Since 1977, Après la Pluie has imagined, created and crafted kaleidoscopes and exquisite reproductions of historic optical toys. Every piece springs from entirely traditional craftsmanship, using materials selected for their beauty, quality and noble character.

This devotion to excellence has earned us the loyalty of discerning enthusiasts and collectors, as well as the trust of prestigious luxury houses, museums, department stores, specialist toy shops and other exceptional establishments, in France and beyond.

Today, nearly 70% of our creations find their way abroad, a quiet testament to the lasting appeal of our craft.

Dominic Stora

History

The story of Après la Pluie began in 1976, in a small Normandy village, where my wife and I opened a shop devoted to antique objects and books.

Some of our visitors, collectors of antique toys, were searching for kaleidoscopes. Their curiosity awakened our own. We discovered a fascinating object, yet the few examples available seemed to lack the refinement we cherished in beautiful things.

We decided to make them ourselves, giving each the care, time and materials it deserved. My experience in photography had introduced me to the principles of optics, and we made our first kaleidoscopes in 1977.

Their success gradually carried us beyond our Normandy shop to trade fairs in Paris, London, New York and Tokyo.

Over the years, our collection grew to more than thirty handcrafted designs, made of materials chosen for their beauty and the grace with which they age: precious woods, leather, brass, mother-of-pearl, shagreen and bookbinding papers.

We later added reproductions of nineteenth-century optical toys, whose simple mechanisms conjure a remarkable poetry of illusion.

One belief has guided us ever since: even the most modest object deserves to become something beautiful, made to stand the test of time.

Dominic Stora