Michel Gauthier on collecting photography books

Michel Gauthier has enjoyed a distinguished career in the field of festival events, tourism and recreation. He was instrumental in coordinating the participation of HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands in the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the Canadian Tulip Festival, an organization that he managed from 1992 - 2005. This flagship event draws millions of visitors from all over the world each spring to Canada’s capital city. From 1984-1988 he was Executive Director of Winterlude, another of Ottawa's popular festivals. Over the years he has also been active in many national and international associations. He is currently Executive Director of the Canadian Garden Council. Michel holds a Festival Director Certificate from Perdue University and a Recreation Diploma from Algonquin College.

I met with him at his home, in his library, to discuss not festivals or tulips, but his other grand passion, photography books. Among other things we talk about nudes, limited editions, black and white contrast, his mother's photo albums, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Richard Avedon, Edward Steichen, Helmut Newton, The Beatles, Patti Smith and travelling the world visiting exotic bookshops, and connecting with booksellers and great photographers.