Assouline: The Story Behind One of the Most Refined Art Publishers

Founded in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline after a stay at La Colombe d'Or in Saint-Paul de Vence, the publishing house began with a book about the historic inn where artists like Matisse, Léger, Picasso, Braque, Calder, and Chagall once stayed. Today, Assouline has published over 2,000 titles in ten languages, each conceived as a design object with cloth covers, thick pages, and full-page photographs. The New York headquarters on Park Avenue overlooks the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Station, while the London store on Piccadilly, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, houses a concept store and Swans Bar. Notable series include the Ultimate Collection (limited-edition hand-bound volumes), Legends Collection (biographies), Icons, Classic Collection, Travel Series, Hospitality Collection, and XXL editions. In 2010, Prosper Assouline was named Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Since 2016, their son Alexandre has joined the leadership, launching a collaboration with One Tree Planted in 2019. The company has expanded into custom furniture, design objects, library accessories, and ambient fragrances.