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0:00:03 > 0:00:08- The world's best paintings are - displayed at London's Tate Gallery.
0:00:08 > 0:00:13- In their midst, there's a collection - of works by a Welsh artist.
0:00:13 > 0:00:18- In the past, we thought of Gwen John - as Augustus John's sister.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22- However, Gwen John - was an important artist.
0:00:25 > 0:00:29- Her work was put on display - following her death...
0:00:29 > 0:00:33- ..and it was an eye-opener - for the art world in London.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37- Since then, the value of her work - has kept going up.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- Life wasn't always easy for Gwen.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46- She once earned a living by - modelling for the sculptor, Rodin.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- When she met Rodin - for the first time...
0:00:50 > 0:00:55- ..she would have been drawn into - a very strange world.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- I'd say that it was a little erotic.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- Her later life is a mystery.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- Her family don't even know - where she was buried.
0:01:06 > 0:01:12- I'd feel very grateful if we could - finalize her resting place...
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- ..with a very simple - memorial plaque.
0:01:17 > 0:01:23- Even in death, - Gwen John remained an enigma.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28- Today, she is considered one of - the 20th century's leading artists.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- Early in September 1939, - this platform in Northern France...
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- ..was awash with panic - at the start of the war.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10- Amidst the frenzy, was a slender, - middle-aged Welsh woman.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- She became a world-famous artist...
0:02:13 > 0:02:19- ..but on that day in Dieppe, - Gwen John was unknown and alone.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- On that day, we're not sure if Gwen - was escaping from the war in Paris.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- However, she didn't reach - the end of her journey.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38- She fell ill at the station...
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- ..and died a few days later - at a nearby hospital run by nuns.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- Family and friends - didn't attend her funeral...
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- ..and her final days - are still a mystery.
0:02:51 > 0:02:57- This journey to Dieppe is a chance - to discover exactly what happened.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- Gwen John was a Pembrokeshire girl.
0:03:03 > 0:03:08- After her mother's sudden death, - when Gwen was only eight...
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- ..the family moved - from Haverfordwest to Tenby.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- The letters that she received - from her family...
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- ..and those she wrote to her friend, - Ursula Tyrwhitt...
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- ..suggest that she had - a difficult childhood.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- The atmosphere and relationship...
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- ..between Gwen and her father - was rather cold and difficult.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- Gwen wasn't formally educated - like her brother.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- However, she did indulge - in her passion for painting.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- Gwen left Tenby - against her father's wishes.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- She followed her brother, Augustus, - to the Slade School of Fine Art.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- It was the school's golden age.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- The same education - was offered to men and women.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- Gwen was in her element.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- Education at Slade - was quite classic.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- They would draw in the Antique Room.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16- At Slade, it was important - to follow life drawing classes.
0:04:16 > 0:04:22- Men and women would attend - life drawing classes...
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- ..in separate classrooms.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- It was also common for students - to work as models.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- With the exception of her study - of Michelangelo's work...
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- ..we only have one painting - from Gwen's time at Slade.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- It depicts her friends - with her brother, Augustus.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- It was thought that Gwen John - was more talented than Augustus.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- In her final term...
0:04:50 > 0:04:55- ..Gwen won the Melville Nettleship - Prize for figure composition...
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- ..thanks to her love - of life drawing.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03- Was it difficult for women - to become professional artists?
0:05:03 > 0:05:08- At the time, it was unusual to see - a professional female artist...
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- ..as they often opted - for marriage or teaching.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17- However, she was adamant that she - would become a professional artist.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- After graduating from Slade...
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- ..Gwen came to Paris to study with - Whistler at the Academie Carmen.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- She moved to Montparnasse...
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- ..with Gwen Salmond - and Ida Nettleship.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- At the time, the city was a Mecca - for young European artists.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42- They flocked here to make contacts - and study with the masters.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- In that era, it was unusual - for a small town girl...
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- ..to escape to somewhere like Paris - and live on her own.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- However, - we must put this into context.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- It was widely known - to women of the era...
0:06:11 > 0:06:16- ..that Paris was a place where - women could live independently.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22- They could progress in their careers - as artists or litterateurs.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Women flocked to Paris - to live freely.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33- Gwen received a fantastic education - at Slade.
0:06:33 > 0:06:38- However, - once Gwen had settled in Paris...
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- ..we started to see - a gradual change in her work.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- She started to respond - to the works of other artists...
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- ..such as Chagall - and Le Douanier Rousseau...
0:06:51 > 0:06:56- ..who were very influential in Paris - between the two wars.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01- Gwen's self portrait from the era - gives us a glimpse of her character.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- It shows her eagerness - to be taken seriously as an artist.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- We see a character - that's quite deep and serious.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- There's a focus on the face - whilst the background is plain.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- There's a strong light - illuminating the face.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- It's important to look - at her presentation.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- She's wearing clothes - that were decades out of fashion.
0:07:27 > 0:07:33- She was eccentric and artistic and - would dress herself in this way...
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- ..to display herself - as an educated individual.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- She was a new woman - or a thinking woman.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- In Paris, Gwen met artistic greats - including Picasso and Matisse.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- It was an exciting place - for young artists...
0:07:51 > 0:07:56- ..but a meeting with a famous - European artist changed her life.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- Gwen had to sustain herself - financially...
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- ..and it was common practice - to model for the era's artists.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- Her brother, Augustus, - suggested that she approached...
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- ..the world-famous sculptor, - Auguste Rodin.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- It is thought that Augustus - encouraged her...
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- ..to go and meet with the - accomplished sculptor, Rodin.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30- She presented herself at his home - as Gwen John, sister of Augustus.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- She explained that she was looking - for modelling work.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- Augustus told her - to consider it an honour...
0:08:39 > 0:08:41- ..to be of service to Rodin.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- Behind these walls, there were - numerous naked women and men...
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- ..who modelled for the master.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- Some referred to the place - as a Banquet of Buttocks!
0:08:58 > 0:09:03- Gwen John shyly entered that room - on a spring morning in 1904.
0:09:05 > 0:09:11- She would have stood in a large room - with dozens of other workers.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- Most of them were naked...
0:09:14 > 0:09:19- ..as Auguste Rodin specialized - in sculpting the female form.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- I imagine that Gwen - would have been surprised...
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- ..to see such a place...
0:09:26 > 0:09:31- ..and the way in which Rodin worked.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- When Gwen met Rodin, - he was almost 40 years her senior...
0:09:41 > 0:09:46- ..and was one of the world's - most established artists.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- However, did Rodin - enrich Gwen's life as an artist?
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- Did he nurture her talent...
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- ..or was she held back - by her feelings for him?
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- Would this relationship - shape her work and legacy?
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0:10:04 > 0:10:04- Subtitles
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0:10:12 > 0:10:18- The Rodin Museum in Paris is home to - some of his greatest masterpieces.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- His only full sculpture of Gwen John - is prominently displayed here.
0:10:24 > 0:10:30- Rodin was 40 years older than Gwen - but he was the love of her life.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- She modelled for Rodin's monument - for Whistler.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- According to Rodin, - Gwen had un corps admirable!
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- She was a popular model with - an ideal physique for sculptors.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- Initially, I suspect Gwen - was attracted to the excitement...
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- ..of being involved with the work - of the legendary sculptor...
0:10:55 > 0:10:56- ..Auguste Rodin.
0:10:56 > 0:11:02- She certainly had a physical - and sexual attraction towards him.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- If we think of Rodin's studio...
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- ..there would have been - several naked men and women...
0:11:11 > 0:11:16- ..in a situation that could - be deemed slightly erotic.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- She would have been part of this.
0:11:19 > 0:11:25- At Rodin Museum's archive, there's - proof of the pair's relationship.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Gwen was his mistress - for over a decade.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- Aujourd'hui a ete - le plus miserable jour.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- Dans la nuit je revais.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- Je me sentais si solitaire.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- Votre Marie, qui pleure maintenant.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- In these boxes, there are - 2,000 letters from Gwen to Rodin.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- Sometimes, she wrote to him - several times a day.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- She repeatedly wrote - of her love for him.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- We don't know if he read each letter - but he kept them.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- Rodin certainly made - an impression on her.
0:12:05 > 0:12:11- He encouraged her to paint - and thought highly of her work.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- I believe that he managed to - persuade her that she could paint...
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- ..and that she should persevere.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- The great thing - about Rodin's studio...
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- ..was that everyone - was encouraged to work hard.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- They were expected to continue - with their own work at home.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40- He thought that by working hard, - you would reach your potential.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Gwen did paint at home.
0:12:43 > 0:12:49- She created her masterpieces in her - confined Montparnasse attic room.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- Rodin visited Gwen in her room - one morning each week...
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- ..but she waited every morning, - in case he arrived.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12- She'd wash and brush her hair, - place fresh flowers on a table...
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- ..and wait for the sound - of his footsteps on the stairs...
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- ..to enjoy the pleasure - of one rare hour in his company.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27- The room was her sanctuary and the - subject for many of her paintings.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- Gwen John - painted this scene several times.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- We tend to study these paintings...
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- ..and read too much - into Gwen John's life.
0:13:37 > 0:13:43- We think of her as a hermit who was - confined to painting in her room.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49- However, an empty room was a popular - theme in French art during the time.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- It's important that we study - Gwen John's work...
0:13:54 > 0:13:59- ..in the context - of early 20th century French art.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- Whilst Gwen lived in a small room...
0:14:05 > 0:14:10- ..Rodin lived in Meudon, three miles - from the centre of Paris...
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- ..in a luxurious home with a studio - at the bottom of the garden.
0:14:15 > 0:14:21- There's no doubt that Gwen was - head over heels in love with Rodin.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- She was besotted - to the point of obsession.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- She would come to the house - and hide in the bushes...
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- ..to see the one love of her life.
0:14:36 > 0:14:42- Gwen eventually moved from Paris - to Meudon to be closer to Rodin.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48- Rodin wasn't the only man in Paris - to influence Gwen.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- The lawyer, John Quinn, - was a modern art collector...
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- ..and he became her sponsor.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Each year, - he paid Gwen a sum of money...
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- ..and he received - four pieces of work in return.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- This gave Gwen - a sense of security...
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- ..and introduced her - to new social circles in Paris.
0:15:10 > 0:15:16- Gwen John would have attended - dinners with John Quinn in Paris...
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- ..and she talked - to the likes of Picasso.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25- Gwen John exhibited work in many of - the era's important exhibitions...
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- ..such as an exhibition - in New York in 1913.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34- It was one of the most important - exhibitions in 20th century America.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- It was called the Armory Show.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41- She also exhibited at Paris's - prestigious, Salon d'Automne.
0:15:41 > 0:15:47- She had a public profile in Paris - and on the international stage.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52- We challenged the artist, - Mary Lloyd Jones...
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- ..to recreate one of Gwen's works.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- The Convalescent - is typical of her work.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- It depicts a girl - sitting alone in silence.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- Every detail has been planned...
0:16:06 > 0:16:11- ..to create unity in the expression.
0:16:11 > 0:16:17- I was originally drawn - to the colours in the painting...
0:16:17 > 0:16:22- ..especially the purple colour - with a tinge of brown.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- These lighter colours are splendid.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- There are warm tones - mixed with colder blue hues.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- I'm mostly intrigued by this pot.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41- It stands out - due to its popping colour.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- The technique she developed...
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- ..doesn't shout out at you.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- It's quiet but people respond to it.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- You won't get tired of her work.
0:17:01 > 0:17:07- Augustus John - once claimed that in 50 years...
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- ..he would be known - as Gwen John's brother.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- I believe that he was correct.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- Over time, - Rodin's romance with Gwen dwindled.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- Rodin grew distant, - so she turned her thoughts to God...
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- ..and her visits to the Meudon order - became more frequent.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39- In 1913, she was accepted as a - full member of the Catholic Church.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- She would often come and sketch - at the back of this church.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51- In a letter, she described herself - as "God's little artist".
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- She also wanted to be a saint.
0:17:55 > 0:18:01- She loved depicting - adults and children at church.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- This caused a few problems...
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- ..because some people thought it was - inappropriate to draw at church.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- However, she considered drawing...
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- ..part of the worshiping process.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- She couldn't separate the two things - in her own mind.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- The church was Gwen's solace...
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- ..when she lost the man who had - consumed her life for 15 years.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36- His death broke Gwen's heart and - even made her question her sanity.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- However, she returned to painting.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- After her long courtship - with Rodin...
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- ..his death released her.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- She painted regularly and staged - a solo exhibition in London...
0:18:52 > 0:18:57- ..and the National Museum of Wales - bought one of her works.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- By this time, - she'd purchased land in Meudon...
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- ..and hoped to convert - a garden shed into a home.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- However, her health deteriorated.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- Gwen's final years were lonely.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- She spent increasing amounts of time - meditating and praying.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- This cold, hut in Rue Babie - is where she spent most of her days.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- When workers came to fix the roof...
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- ..she slept outdoors with - no thought for her fragile health.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48- In September 1939, Gwen travelled - by train from Paris to Dieppe.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- She was 63 years old - and had been ill for some time...
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- ..but wouldn't admit - the severity of her illness.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- She hadn't contacted her friends - for two years.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- We don't know - where she was going and why.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- However, this was her final journey.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- Gwen was seriously ill - when she left the train at Dieppe.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- She had nobody for company.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- She fell on the platform - and was rushed to hospital...
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- ..where she died a few days later.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30- At her London home...
0:20:30 > 0:20:36- ..Sara John, Gwen's great-niece - and the granddaughter of Augustus...
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- ..has done some research - about her aunt's final journey.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- She's commissioned - a special memorial...
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- ..in the hope that it will - be placed on her grave.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- A friend recently commented...
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- ..on how discreet it was of Gwen...
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- ..and how typical it was - to die so discreetly...
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- ..and not have a plaque.
0:21:02 > 0:21:08- But because of her - extraordinary contribution...
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- ..I think that it's very important - for all of us...
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- ..to have a discreet - little plaque put there.
0:21:16 > 0:21:22- People will know and can pay - their respects to that site...
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- ..and then the whole of her history - now is complete.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- Gwen passed away just after - the outbreak of World War II.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- Cemeteries were full of the bodies - of young soldiers.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- Our research shows that she - was buried in a pauper's grave...
0:21:43 > 0:21:49- ..but her body was later cremated - to make room for the soldiers.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54- However, we did find evidence - that she was buried here...
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- ..at Jan Val Dieppe cemetery.
0:21:57 > 0:22:03- The records clearly show that - Mary John was buried in plot 446.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- There's no age.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08- Wow!
0:22:13 > 0:22:18- I find Gwen John's work interesting - as she's from Pembrokeshire...
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- ..but also fitted into - the French arts world.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- She was a Welsh artist - with international attitudes.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- I believe that she excelled - at portraying character...
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- ..in a very confined space.
0:22:36 > 0:22:42- She was one of the most - important artists of her time.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- The quality of her work - is totally incredible.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- She managed to incorporate...
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- ..many contemporary influences...
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- ..but always used them - to her own advantage.
0:22:58 > 0:23:04- Her work was certainly unique - during the era in which she lived.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- It is very telling...
0:23:09 > 0:23:14- ..that there isn't a gravestone - or memorial for Gwen John in Dieppe.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- However, Sara hopes - this will be rectified.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- This plaque - will commemorate Gwen John...
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- ..in the country - where she lived and worked.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- It's the least we can do - for such an exceptional artist...
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- ..who contributed - to 20th century art.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
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