The publisher decides how a piece will be made, by whom, and for how long. Production may take place in the publisher's own workshops or be entrusted to specialized manufacturers. In some cases, designers also produce their own work, either by choice or by necessity.
A model can be produced for a few years, stopped, then reissued later, sometimes by another publisher. A serious reissue respects the original specifications while adapting materials and techniques to current standards, especially for safety and environmental reasons.
The publisher also manages distribution, through shops, galleries, dealers, fairs, online platforms and social networks. This is why the name of the publisher is often as important as the name of the designer.
For collectors, understanding the publisher helps identify the period, the quality and the legitimacy of a piece. It is one of the best ways to distinguish a true edition from a simple copy.
Cécile Ybert