Memo from J-P

For this page of oldquimper.com, we give the floor to Jean-Pierre, who serves as the CFO (Chief Feline Officer) of The Meadows Collection.  Appointed to that position in 2007, he has gamely agreed to attempt the daunting task of taking over the duties previously fulfilled by the late, but ever-present-in-our-hearts, Porquier-Beau...whose image continues to grace the upper left corner of this link.

Jean-Pierre is eleven-years old, which translates to sixty in human years. He is still very young-at-heart and so full of enthusiasm that he has bravely stepped up to the plate. It is with great pleasure that we pass along the latest Memo from J-P:

Greetings to all.

First a little bit about my background.

I was born in Paris and am thoroughly français despite paperwork that lists me as being a chat de la fôret norvégienne (Norwegian Forest Cat). My full name is Châtelain Jean-Pierre. Châtelain because being born in 2007... December 21, 2007 to be precise...means that in accordance with French regulations, my name must begin with the letter 'c'.  Those born in 2008 have names that begin with a 'd', those born in 2009 have names beginning with the letter 'e' and so on.

Châtelain is a French term from the Middle Ages used to distinguish the seigneur or lord of the manor. We live in Quimper now, so it's more like lord of the apartment...but the important part is that I rule the roost, so to speak. Jean is in reference to Jean-Baptiste Bousquet who settled in Quimper in 1699 and Pierre is in honor of his son, Pierre Bousquet, who in 1708 founded Quimper's first modern -day pottery factory.

Every once in a while I like to put the spotlight on a specific topic…it might be an unusual example of Quimper pottery or perhaps a further look at a place or structure…something  that I feel will further your enjoyment of French faïence. 

And then again, sometimes I take this opportunity to share with you some of our adventures in Quimper...because one of the results  of being so gob-smacked enamored of Quimper pottery has led to the inevitable and now we live in Quimper...right in the middle of Old Town!

I'm an indoor cat, but I do see a lot from our windows and the folks are always up for an adventure.  Here's a quick rundown of what we were up to last month...it will give you a bit of a taste of the sights and sounds of living in Quimper!

May 1st is a holiday in these parts...the French equivalent of America's Labor Day...and the parade went right outside our windows...the lead banner makes reference to the Haymarket Affair. In a welcome contrast, "Kemper 2019" was a peaceful gathering and don't our geraniums look fantastic?

​The Amis or "Friends" of the Musée Départemental Breton had a presentation about the embroidery used on Breton costumes...not all 1200 variations, but enough to make one really appreciate the distinctions of each individual mode of dress. 

​Always interested in art, the folks visited the Fine Arts Museum in Brest to see a temporary exhibition of Breton-themed prints:

...some of their favorites were the work of René Quillivic:

While at the museum, they took the opportunity to check out the permanent exhibition of sculptures by Anna Quinquaud...

Both Quillivic and Quinquaud produced important examples of Quimper pottery as well, so they enjoyed their visit...

...although this pause for a bit of chocolate in all sorts of forms no doubt added to their pleasure !

On another occasion, they went to Locronan to participate in the Medieval Days celebration. A visit to Locronan is always a treat, but to see it portrayed as it might have been centuries back added another dimension...

Another outing involved taking a boat to visit the Isle de Tristan in the Bay of Douarnenez...the views were spectacular and the on-site caretaker provided an informative briefing of the island's history, flora and fauna.

There's even a connection with Quimper pottery; a chapel on the island was designed by James Bouillé...a member of the ​Seiz Breur art movement, who regular readers will remember also designed some spectacular examples of Quimper pottery based on The Book of Kells.

After their return to the mainland, the folks stopped by La Chapelle Saint Michel on the rue du Port Rhu in Douarnenez. Recently restored, the interior is fantastic:

...from the altar...

...to the ceiling...

...right on down to the chapel's faïence bénétier.

Another excursion...this time to a brocante in Pont-Aven...was somewhat successful. They didn't buy anything at the brocante, but one of their favorite chocolatiers just happens to be located in Pont-Aven and it was open. I still remember the wailing when, during their last trip to Pont-Aven, it was closed. So, of course, that meant more chocolate...

That's my memo for this month; I hope you enjoy my sharing of our adventures in Quimper!