Chapter seven: Week 7

A Refresher Tour and a Remarkable Meeting

Work Day 07/11/2024

Today, the Canadian artists finally experienced the Château’s essential tour. Although I’ve been on many tours before, each one reveals something new about Marie and Henry Clews’ vision and the legacy they created in restoring the Château. It’s true what they say ” Repetition is the mother of knowledge”. With each walk through its spaces, I discover fresh details, whether in architecture, history, or artistry.

This experience motivated me to explore further, diving into specific artefacts, books, and intricate patterns that might not directly influence my design work but certainly add layers to my understanding of the Château’s story and its cultural heritage.

Meeting with History

Meeting Dominique Sassi was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As one of the few people still alive who worked closely with Picasso, Sassi shared priceless insights from his days as an apprentice and close friend of the artist. He recounted how, in 1946, Picasso stumbled upon a ceramics workshop in Golfe-Juan owned by the Ramies, where he first modelled three clay pieces. Captivated by the process, Picasso created around 3,500-4000 unique ceramics. Listening to Sassi felt like stepping into Picasso’s world and seeing firsthand what inspired his work and methods. I’m incredibly grateful to Sandrine, whose passion for history and constant learning made this encounter possible.