Barometers Realm

Jules Richard was the son of Félix Richard, who started an instrument-making workshop in Lyon, France, in 1845. Jules was educated at the collège of Beauvais and then spent three years as an apprentice in his father’s workshop. In 1866, he worked for the clockmaker Armand François Collin while attending evening classes at the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers, where he studied kinematics. He also spent some time working in the “Administration des Télégraphes.” After his father’s death in 1876, Jules inherited the company. From 1882 to 1891, he managed the company under the name Richard Frères in partnership with his brother Félix-Max Richard.

Félix-Max established his own company, Comptoir Général de Photographie, but ended up competing with Jules. A legal battle between the brothers resulted in Félix-Max selling his company to Léon Gaumont in 1895.

After his brother’s departure in 1891, Jules managed the company until his death in 1930. The company specialized in stereo photography, and their Vérascope camera, invented by Jules Richard, became the company’s core product.

In 1925, Jules Richard was awarded the title of Commander of the Legion of Honour.