A unique exhibition titled "Paper Memories" showcases the remarkable 40-year career of Gil Chantelauze, a retired papermaker, through a series of small paintings created by his neighbor and friend, artist Noëlle Bernardin. The exhibition runs until Saturday at the town hall of Saint-Martin-des-Olmes, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the daily life of a traditional French craftsman.
Noëlle Bernardin, who has been painting for 50 years, decided to document Gil's four-decade career as a papermaker at two historic mills. "I have been painting for 50 years, Gil worked as a papermaker for 40 years, and we both live in Jarroux, the most beautiful village in the world," explains Bernardin. This shared connection to their village sparked the idea for the artistic collaboration that celebrates both their crafts.
Gil Chantelauze spent exactly 20 years working at each of two renowned paper mills: first at the Laga mill, then at Richard-de-Bas mill. Both facilities played crucial roles in shaping his career as a skilled papermaker. The artist captures not just his professional life, but also the physical challenges he faced in his daily routine, particularly his commute from the remote mills to his home village.
The exhibition reveals fascinating details about Gil's dedication to his craft and family life. The road connecting the mill to Jarroux village wasn't completed until 1969, which meant Gil had to walk to and from work every single day. "Gil walked the route from the mill to the village of Jarroux on foot each day, and he even came home for lunch at noon," recounts Bernardin. This daily journey demonstrates the papermaker's commitment to both his profession and his family life.
Bernardin employed various artistic techniques to bring Gil's stories to life on paper. She used collage, watercolor, and ink wash techniques, all created on different colored paper supports sourced from the Richard-de-Bas mill itself. This choice of materials creates a direct connection between the artwork and Gil's professional environment, adding authenticity and depth to each piece.
The artist emphasizes that her small artworks tell a complete story that must be viewed in a specific sequence. "The small works must be looked at in order, clockwise," insists Bernardin. This sequential viewing approach transforms the exhibition into a visual narrative that unfolds Gil's daily experiences and career progression in chronological order.
The exhibition is open to the public with specific visiting hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Saturdays from 9 AM to noon, running until Saturday, September 6th. This intimate portrayal of traditional French craftsmanship offers visitors a rare opportunity to understand the personal stories behind artisanal papermaking in rural France.
