NEWSLETTER – DECEMBER 2005
At this year’s AGM held at the RAF Club in May: Baroness Shephard, the new Chairman of the Society;
former Chairman Sir John Fretwell with Yves Djimi, President of the Franco-British Student Alliance at the LSE; and Sir John Holmes, HM Ambassador to France, who gave a talk on ‘Britain, France and the European Challenge’.
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER
The time since my appointment as your Chairman at the last AGM has passed so quickly. I have been so impressed by the enthusiasm and energy of Kate and of our members, and indeed of our French colleagues. For me the highlight so far was of course our Paris trip . Laura's account (below) brings it back vividly. But we have had other highly successful events, the FBS mix of serious content and great enjoyment. Looking ahead, Kate and the committee are preparing a whole series of occasions for the forthcoming year. There is a lot to look forward to.
It has been fascinating to be part of the FBS at a time when such change is going on in France. Our visit to Paris took place just after the momentous No Vote. Since then, France has been shaken by a number of other events, not least the problems in their inner city areas. At times like these, we need to remember that our friends are there to encourage us, and to share difficult experiences. The FBS has an important role to play, now and in the future.
I look forward, as we all do, to a busy and productive year ahead.
- Gillian Shephard
VISIT TO PARIS
FBS members entering the Château de Breteuil for a guided tour; and at lunch later when the Marquis gave an informal address of welcome.
A scene from ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in the delightful Shakespeare Garden in the Bois de Boulogne
So what could puss in boots; Shakespeare and Rue St Honoré have in common. Well all those lucky enough to go on the Franco-British trip in June will know exactly what I am writing about…
What a very special few days we all had, arriving in Paris starting our visit with a wonderful outdoor performance of Romeo and Juliet in the delightful “Shakespeare Garden” in the Bois de Boulougne. Madame Loussouarn of the ESU had kindly held the start until our arrival hot-foot from the Gard du Nord. As part of a season performed by British actors we enjoyed the theatrical experience as well as admiring the beautiful and quite exotic rock garden into which this open-air theatre nestles. The production itself was in modern dress and a very contemporary touch was the two young lovers' secretive talk on the balcony carried out on mobile phones. It was a testament to the actors' professionalism that the intermittent inclement weather did not interrupt the flow throughout this very enjoyable afternoon.
Our first afternoon was perfectly concluded with champagne and strawberries at the near by Club de Paris – the Hurlingham Club of Paris with immaculate tennis, swimming and boules facilities – not that any of our party threw themselves on the courts or dived in the pool!
One of the main attractions of the trip was to see the Château of Breteuil. With extraordinary connections to Britain particularly during the period before and after the Entente Cordiale, the Count de Breteuil gave us a very insightful and amusing tour around his delightful château. Perfectly formed, the Château was both imposing in its proportions but not so large as to be intimidating in its size. And this same character was mirrored in the interior. Beautiful rooms with delightful and interesting furniture illustrated how this château conveyed both warmth and a family atmosphere while impressing with their wonderful possessions. However it was the history of the family that was particularly interesting for us Brits!
The Breteuil family was instrumental in the signing of the Entente Cordiale, forging links with Britain that each and every generation of the family have sustained. The Count’s affection for Britain and the warmth of him and his wife captivated us all, as did their great generosity in inviting us all for a delicious lunch with typically excellent French food and wine. But it was also the omnipresence of “puss in boots” that intrigued and amused us all. Stuffed cats in riding boots scattered the château, part of a collection put together by the Breteuil family and based on Les Contes de Perrault.
Having stayed far too long engrossed with Breteuil and its charms, we then went to visit Courson. Another perfectly formed château with spectacular gardens, it is renowned as hosting one of France’s leading garden festivals. The château was filled with exquisite art displayed in large and imposing galleries. However it was the main salon that took our breath away. Very large with Italianate panelling, this room was designed as many of its time with no corridor. As a result it had the unusual feature of having ceiling to floor windows on both sides of the room bringing in light and providing one with wonderful views. A truly impressive and remarkable salon. The family were so very kind to host us and most of us left feeling that we just wanted to go back for more.
Exhausted we returned to Paris to our delightful hotel for an early and relaxing evening to recover from the richness of the day.
But our treats had not come to an end. Our last full day in Paris offered us an opportunity to do something few ever have the chance to enjoy. Through the Society’s excellent efforts – and not least the help of our former Chairman and his wife Sir John and Lady Fretwell, we had a wonderful guided tour around the British embassy in Rue St Honoré. Having been there a couple of times before for parties, I realised on this trip how much I had missed in terms of the history, the art and the extraordinary furniture in the embassy. And to think that the embassy was almost sold off in the 1980s! We had a wonderful guide in the person of Ségolene, the wife of Giles Paxman who was imminently to take up the role of British Ambassador to Mexico. She explained to us both the historical and some of scandalous past of the embassy. Napoleon’s sister lived in the house for several years when the house no doubt saw more than its fair share of lovers and parties. We also had the additional benefit of the Fretwells’ commentary on the house and their personal experiences, which brought so much of the atmosphere of the embassy to life. Lady Fretwell’s reminiscences of dinner parties for 50 people in the enormous dinning room invoked the true grandeur of the embassy and she particularly amused us with stories of her guests playing footsie under the table.
On Monday evening we crammed into the intimate La Huchette Theatre to see Ionesco's play 'La Cantatrice Chauve'. The play has been running there for many years, and shows no sign of flagging. An impressive cast of seasoned actors skilfully confounded us, as the author no doubt intended. We were joined at this performance by many members of the AFGB, with whom we went on to dinner across the Boulevard St Germain. Our thanks go to Gérard and Dominique for organising such a novel and enjoyable evening, and for giving us the opportunity to make many new French friends.
I know that we would all like to thank Kate for all the wonderful organization and providing us with a remarkable insight into so many beautiful houses! And also to welcome Gillian and Tom Shephard to the “family” on Gillian’s first Franco-British trip as Chairman.
- Laura Sandys
‘Nelson and Napoleon’
Visit to the Royal Naval College and the National Maritime Museum on 5 October
Although Greenwich Park was first enclosed during the reign of Henry V and the manor transformed into a castle, it was not until William and Mary decided to turn the old palace building into an hospital for disabled and retired seamen, along the lines of the Chelsea Hospital for soldiers, that Wren was appointed as Surveyor of Works to begin the work which would be augmented by, among others, Hawksmoor and Vanbrugh. The population of the hospital swelled to over 2500 in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, but by 1869 dwindling numbers forced a move to new premises.
We started our guided tour in the Painted Hall in the King William Building. The painting of the walls and ceiling by James Thornhill have been acclaimed by Nikolaus Pevsner as “the most effective piece of Baroque painting by any English artist”, and it took him 19 years to complete, for which he received £1 a foot for the walls and £3 a foot for the ceilings. The Painted Hall was judged too grand for the pensioners, who normally had to eat in the vault below, and where there is a 140-year-old SkittleAlley, where some of us tried our hand. In the Chapel, in the Queen Mary Building, we saw the very fine altar-piece by BenjaminWest of “The Shipwreck of St Paul”, and the 1789 Samuel Green organ. We then returned to the King William Building where lunch was served in the pleasant ambience of the undercroft of the Painted Hall.
The “Nelson and Napoleon” Exhibition in the National Maritime Museum, which we visited in the afternoon, does more than commemorate the 200th anniversary of Nelson’s victory and death at Trafalgar. It aims to present the two men as representatives of Britain and France during the conflicts of their time, and it avoids presenting a solely British perspective.
There is an interesting section on the French Revolution, which without attempting to dispel its equation with the Terror, suggests its early hopes and aims, and its sustenance through war. There is a brief overview of both men’s rise, and the impact of the women in their lives. There is also plenty of evidence of the long-standing exchange of ideas and fashions between France and Britain in this period. The results of the team of scientists and men of letters who had accompanied Napoleon during the Egyptian campaign were also studied with great interest in both countries.
The events leading up to and during the Battle of Trafalgar obviously have a very important place in the exhibition, but we are reminded that the events of the next ten years proved what a threat Napoleon still continued to be for England, even if invasion by sea was not likely in the immediate future.
- Richard Peskett
« La Maison Française d’Oxford : A la croisée des chemins »
Une conférence par M. Alexis Tadié, le Directeur de la Maison Française d’Oxford,
à l’Institut Français à Londres le 15 novembre
The FBS President, Lord Strabolgi, with Lady Strabolgi and M. Alexis Tadié at the French Institute
La Maison Française d’Oxford fut fondée en 1946 après la deuxième guerre mondiale par les Universités de Paris et d’Oxford pour créer un lien culturel entre la France et l’Angleterre. C’était un symbole de solidarité franco-britannique consacré à l’accueil d’étudiants des deux pays avec le financement du Ministère français des Affaires Etrangères en collaboration avec les deux universités. Elle fait partie de l’Université d’Oxford en offrant aux étudiants la possibilité d’approfondir leur connaissance de la culture et de la langue française profitant d’une très belle bibliothèque et collection de films français.
Dans le passé La Maison Française d’Oxford fut uniquement un centre culturel et recevait des écrivains célèbres tels que Jean Cocteau, André Gide et André Maurois. Plus récemment elle a accueilli les écrivains tels que Edouard Glissant, Gilles Keppel, Jean Starobinski et Jean-Pierre Vernant.
Au cours du temps La Maison Française a évolué en centre de recherche dû à son association avec le CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) qui attrait et finance la recherche des chercheurs anglais et français de très haut niveau et leur donne la possibilité de se réunir au cœur d’une des universités les plus prestigieuses de toute l’Europe.
Ces deux ailes de la Maison Française – le centre culturel et le centre de recherche – créent ainsi un lieu de rencontre entre des intellectuels franco-britanniques et offrent au public un programme de conférences et séminaires prestigieux dans le domaine de la littérature, les sciences humaines et la politique, dont figurent des débats sur les questions européennes.
Donc, la vie intellectuelle ne s’arrête pas à la Maison Française d’Oxford, ni son évolution, dont témoignent ses plans de modernisation du bâtiment et de ses services. Elle est sûrement à la croisée des chemins.
- Barbara Stevens
Thanks again to all the Members who contributed to the funding of the Franco-British Society’s Entente Cordiale centenary plaque. This has now been installed on the wall of the French Embassy in Knightsbridge, on the Albert Gate side at the top of the steps to the entrance.
......
At this year’s AGM held at the RAF Club in May: Baroness Shephard, the new Chairman of the Society;
former Chairman Sir John Fretwell with Yves Djimi, President of the Franco-British Student Alliance at the LSE; and Sir John Holmes, HM Ambassador to France, who gave a talk on ‘Britain, France and the European Challenge’.
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER
The time since my appointment as your Chairman at the last AGM has passed so quickly. I have been so impressed by the enthusiasm and energy of Kate and of our members, and indeed of our French colleagues. For me the highlight so far was of course our Paris trip . Laura's account (below) brings it back vividly. But we have had other highly successful events, the FBS mix of serious content and great enjoyment. Looking ahead, Kate and the committee are preparing a whole series of occasions for the forthcoming year. There is a lot to look forward to.
It has been fascinating to be part of the FBS at a time when such change is going on in France. Our visit to Paris took place just after the momentous No Vote. Since then, France has been shaken by a number of other events, not least the problems in their inner city areas. At times like these, we need to remember that our friends are there to encourage us, and to share difficult experiences. The FBS has an important role to play, now and in the future.
I look forward, as we all do, to a busy and productive year ahead.
- Gillian Shephard
VISIT TO PARIS
FBS members entering the Château de Breteuil for a guided tour; and at lunch later when the Marquis gave an informal address of welcome.
A scene from ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in the delightful Shakespeare Garden in the Bois de Boulogne
So what could puss in boots; Shakespeare and Rue St Honoré have in common. Well all those lucky enough to go on the Franco-British trip in June will know exactly what I am writing about…
What a very special few days we all had, arriving in Paris starting our visit with a wonderful outdoor performance of Romeo and Juliet in the delightful “Shakespeare Garden” in the Bois de Boulougne. Madame Loussouarn of the ESU had kindly held the start until our arrival hot-foot from the Gard du Nord. As part of a season performed by British actors we enjoyed the theatrical experience as well as admiring the beautiful and quite exotic rock garden into which this open-air theatre nestles. The production itself was in modern dress and a very contemporary touch was the two young lovers' secretive talk on the balcony carried out on mobile phones. It was a testament to the actors' professionalism that the intermittent inclement weather did not interrupt the flow throughout this very enjoyable afternoon.
Our first afternoon was perfectly concluded with champagne and strawberries at the near by Club de Paris – the Hurlingham Club of Paris with immaculate tennis, swimming and boules facilities – not that any of our party threw themselves on the courts or dived in the pool!
One of the main attractions of the trip was to see the Château of Breteuil. With extraordinary connections to Britain particularly during the period before and after the Entente Cordiale, the Count de Breteuil gave us a very insightful and amusing tour around his delightful château. Perfectly formed, the Château was both imposing in its proportions but not so large as to be intimidating in its size. And this same character was mirrored in the interior. Beautiful rooms with delightful and interesting furniture illustrated how this château conveyed both warmth and a family atmosphere while impressing with their wonderful possessions. However it was the history of the family that was particularly interesting for us Brits!
The Breteuil family was instrumental in the signing of the Entente Cordiale, forging links with Britain that each and every generation of the family have sustained. The Count’s affection for Britain and the warmth of him and his wife captivated us all, as did their great generosity in inviting us all for a delicious lunch with typically excellent French food and wine. But it was also the omnipresence of “puss in boots” that intrigued and amused us all. Stuffed cats in riding boots scattered the château, part of a collection put together by the Breteuil family and based on Les Contes de Perrault.
Having stayed far too long engrossed with Breteuil and its charms, we then went to visit Courson. Another perfectly formed château with spectacular gardens, it is renowned as hosting one of France’s leading garden festivals. The château was filled with exquisite art displayed in large and imposing galleries. However it was the main salon that took our breath away. Very large with Italianate panelling, this room was designed as many of its time with no corridor. As a result it had the unusual feature of having ceiling to floor windows on both sides of the room bringing in light and providing one with wonderful views. A truly impressive and remarkable salon. The family were so very kind to host us and most of us left feeling that we just wanted to go back for more.
Exhausted we returned to Paris to our delightful hotel for an early and relaxing evening to recover from the richness of the day.
But our treats had not come to an end. Our last full day in Paris offered us an opportunity to do something few ever have the chance to enjoy. Through the Society’s excellent efforts – and not least the help of our former Chairman and his wife Sir John and Lady Fretwell, we had a wonderful guided tour around the British embassy in Rue St Honoré. Having been there a couple of times before for parties, I realised on this trip how much I had missed in terms of the history, the art and the extraordinary furniture in the embassy. And to think that the embassy was almost sold off in the 1980s! We had a wonderful guide in the person of Ségolene, the wife of Giles Paxman who was imminently to take up the role of British Ambassador to Mexico. She explained to us both the historical and some of scandalous past of the embassy. Napoleon’s sister lived in the house for several years when the house no doubt saw more than its fair share of lovers and parties. We also had the additional benefit of the Fretwells’ commentary on the house and their personal experiences, which brought so much of the atmosphere of the embassy to life. Lady Fretwell’s reminiscences of dinner parties for 50 people in the enormous dinning room invoked the true grandeur of the embassy and she particularly amused us with stories of her guests playing footsie under the table.
On Monday evening we crammed into the intimate La Huchette Theatre to see Ionesco's play 'La Cantatrice Chauve'. The play has been running there for many years, and shows no sign of flagging. An impressive cast of seasoned actors skilfully confounded us, as the author no doubt intended. We were joined at this performance by many members of the AFGB, with whom we went on to dinner across the Boulevard St Germain. Our thanks go to Gérard and Dominique for organising such a novel and enjoyable evening, and for giving us the opportunity to make many new French friends.
I know that we would all like to thank Kate for all the wonderful organization and providing us with a remarkable insight into so many beautiful houses! And also to welcome Gillian and Tom Shephard to the “family” on Gillian’s first Franco-British trip as Chairman.
- Laura Sandys
‘Nelson and Napoleon’
Visit to the Royal Naval College and the National Maritime Museum on 5 October
Although Greenwich Park was first enclosed during the reign of Henry V and the manor transformed into a castle, it was not until William and Mary decided to turn the old palace building into an hospital for disabled and retired seamen, along the lines of the Chelsea Hospital for soldiers, that Wren was appointed as Surveyor of Works to begin the work which would be augmented by, among others, Hawksmoor and Vanbrugh. The population of the hospital swelled to over 2500 in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, but by 1869 dwindling numbers forced a move to new premises.
We started our guided tour in the Painted Hall in the King William Building. The painting of the walls and ceiling by James Thornhill have been acclaimed by Nikolaus Pevsner as “the most effective piece of Baroque painting by any English artist”, and it took him 19 years to complete, for which he received £1 a foot for the walls and £3 a foot for the ceilings. The Painted Hall was judged too grand for the pensioners, who normally had to eat in the vault below, and where there is a 140-year-old SkittleAlley, where some of us tried our hand. In the Chapel, in the Queen Mary Building, we saw the very fine altar-piece by BenjaminWest of “The Shipwreck of St Paul”, and the 1789 Samuel Green organ. We then returned to the King William Building where lunch was served in the pleasant ambience of the undercroft of the Painted Hall.
The “Nelson and Napoleon” Exhibition in the National Maritime Museum, which we visited in the afternoon, does more than commemorate the 200th anniversary of Nelson’s victory and death at Trafalgar. It aims to present the two men as representatives of Britain and France during the conflicts of their time, and it avoids presenting a solely British perspective.
There is an interesting section on the French Revolution, which without attempting to dispel its equation with the Terror, suggests its early hopes and aims, and its sustenance through war. There is a brief overview of both men’s rise, and the impact of the women in their lives. There is also plenty of evidence of the long-standing exchange of ideas and fashions between France and Britain in this period. The results of the team of scientists and men of letters who had accompanied Napoleon during the Egyptian campaign were also studied with great interest in both countries.
The events leading up to and during the Battle of Trafalgar obviously have a very important place in the exhibition, but we are reminded that the events of the next ten years proved what a threat Napoleon still continued to be for England, even if invasion by sea was not likely in the immediate future.
- Richard Peskett
« La Maison Française d’Oxford : A la croisée des chemins »
Une conférence par M. Alexis Tadié, le Directeur de la Maison Française d’Oxford,
à l’Institut Français à Londres le 15 novembre
The FBS President, Lord Strabolgi, with Lady Strabolgi and M. Alexis Tadié at the French Institute
La Maison Française d’Oxford fut fondée en 1946 après la deuxième guerre mondiale par les Universités de Paris et d’Oxford pour créer un lien culturel entre la France et l’Angleterre. C’était un symbole de solidarité franco-britannique consacré à l’accueil d’étudiants des deux pays avec le financement du Ministère français des Affaires Etrangères en collaboration avec les deux universités. Elle fait partie de l’Université d’Oxford en offrant aux étudiants la possibilité d’approfondir leur connaissance de la culture et de la langue française profitant d’une très belle bibliothèque et collection de films français.
Dans le passé La Maison Française d’Oxford fut uniquement un centre culturel et recevait des écrivains célèbres tels que Jean Cocteau, André Gide et André Maurois. Plus récemment elle a accueilli les écrivains tels que Edouard Glissant, Gilles Keppel, Jean Starobinski et Jean-Pierre Vernant.
Au cours du temps La Maison Française a évolué en centre de recherche dû à son association avec le CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) qui attrait et finance la recherche des chercheurs anglais et français de très haut niveau et leur donne la possibilité de se réunir au cœur d’une des universités les plus prestigieuses de toute l’Europe.
Ces deux ailes de la Maison Française – le centre culturel et le centre de recherche – créent ainsi un lieu de rencontre entre des intellectuels franco-britanniques et offrent au public un programme de conférences et séminaires prestigieux dans le domaine de la littérature, les sciences humaines et la politique, dont figurent des débats sur les questions européennes.
Donc, la vie intellectuelle ne s’arrête pas à la Maison Française d’Oxford, ni son évolution, dont témoignent ses plans de modernisation du bâtiment et de ses services. Elle est sûrement à la croisée des chemins.
- Barbara Stevens
Thanks again to all the Members who contributed to the funding of the Franco-British Society’s Entente Cordiale centenary plaque. This has now been installed on the wall of the French Embassy in Knightsbridge, on the Albert Gate side at the top of the steps to the entrance.
......
