Since 1880

Set in a western city, the building on a central street is the invariable setting where the passing of the years is observed through the clothing of its inhabitants, the different family models, the means of transport, the products displayed in the shop windows, the trades of passers-by or technological advances.
Thus, the wardrobe evolves from the bustle and the tuxedo of the Victorian era to the current fashion, passing through the style of the ‘roaring 20s’ and the hippie movement of the 60s. The carriages, the first motor vehicles, the silhouette characteristic of automobiles of well-known brands and motorcycles also contribute to placing them chronologically. In the same way, historical milestones are reflected: the World Wars, the 1918 pandemic, the arrival on the moon… Within the framework of this social transformation there are also clues about art, the appearance of household appliances and the presence of computers and other electronic devices.
All these changes take place under the watchful eye of Chronos, the god of time, crowning a portal, and with a bookstore as a privileged witness to this succession of events, but susceptible to succumbing to advances and market dynamics.

Key points

2020 – 13rd International Compostela Prize for Picture Books

• This silent album invites us to research, reflect and debate on the historic events and the social and cultural transformations of each period.
• Pietro Gottuso’s illustrations stand out for their detail and historical rigor, the result of a meticulous documentation process.
• Available in six languages.

Pietro Gottuso

2019 – Selected in 30th International Biennial of Humor in Art
2019 – Finalist in the 24th International Award of Humor in Gallarate
2018 – Finalist in the Renner Prize, Italy