Canson® was founded in 1557 by the Montgolfier family. Its development and destiny are intertwined with the history of France and the history of Art. Rooted in tradition, Canson® respects this heritage and its duty to always provide consumers with outstanding paper.

Innovation is in the genes of the company. The Montgolfier brothers invented the first hot-air balloon in 1782. But first and foremost, they were paper manufacturers. Over the centuries, the company created numerous manufacturing processes such as the Hollander beater to tear up rag, pulp dying to obtain uniform coloured paper, etc.

They also innovated with vellum paper, then tracing paper in 1809. In 1865, Canson® obtained a patent for a photo paper which simplified printing operations.

Canson® continues to offer products in keeping with consumer expectations: school pack, technical drawing paper, fine art printing paper, papers for digital art printing and photos, etc.

In 1926, Canson® set up a subsidiary in New York. This was the beginning of extensive internationalisation. Canson® is now present in over 150 countries across the world and is the world’s leading producer of Fine Art paper.