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0:00:06 > 0:00:10- Two years ago, I came to Dieppe - in northern France...
0:00:10 > 0:00:15- ..to learn about one of Wales' - most important artists, Gwen John.
0:00:15 > 0:00:20- Her work is exhibited in the world's - most important galleries.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25- Her love affair with the sculptor - Auguste Rodin was widely discussed.
0:00:25 > 0:00:30- A host of authors have written - about Gwen's complicated life.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35- However, her final days and her last - resting place have been a mystery.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- We have thought about it - over the years.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- There have been various attempts - to find her, without success.
0:00:43 > 0:00:48- As we delved deeper into this era - and after visiting Dieppe...
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- ..we discovered - Gwen John's final resting place...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- ..and why there wasn't a headstone.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01- She was lost in Dieppe and - 75 or 76 years later, here we are.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- It's an extraordinary moment.
0:01:05 > 0:01:11- It's quite emotional to think that - she's finally found peace in Dieppe.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- Today, over 70 years - since her death...
0:01:15 > 0:01:20- ..we'll remember Gwen John with - a special memorial near her grave.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- At last, we can learn - about her final journey.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- In early September 1939, - this platform in northern France...
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- ..would have been awash with panic - at the start of the war.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- Amidst the frenzy was a slender - middle-aged Welshwoman.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- She became a world-famous artist...
0:02:06 > 0:02:12- ..but on that day in Dieppe, - Gwen John was unknown and alone.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24- On that day, we're not sure if Gwen - was escaping from the war in Paris.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- However, she didn't reach - the end of her journey.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- She fell ill at the station...
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- ..and died a few days later - at a nearby hospital run by nuns.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- Her family and friends - didn't attend her funeral...
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- ..and her final days - remain a mystery.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- Gwen John was a Pembrokeshire girl.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- After her mother's sudden death, - when Gwen was only eight...
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- ..the family moved - from Haverfordwest to Tenby.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- The letters that she received - from her family...
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- ..and those she wrote - to her friend, Ursula Tyrwhitt...
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- ..suggest that she had - a difficult childhood.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- The atmosphere and relationship...
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- ..between Gwen and her father - was rather cold and difficult.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- Unlike her brother, - Gwen wasn't formally educated.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- However, she did indulge - in her passion for painting.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- Gwen left Tenby - against her father's wishes.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38- She followed her brother Augustus - to the Slade School of Fine Art.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- It was the school's golden age.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47- The same education - was offered to men and women.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- Gwen was in her element.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- Education at Slade - was quite classic.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- They would draw - in the Antique Room.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02- At Slade, it was important - to follow life drawing classes.
0:04:02 > 0:04:08- Men and women would attend - life drawing classes...
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- ..in separate classrooms.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- It was also common - for students to work as models.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- With the exception of her study - of Michelangelo's work...
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- ..we only have one painting - from Gwen's time at Slade.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- It depicts her friends - with her brother Augustus.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34- Was it difficult for women - to become professional artists?
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- At the time, it was unusual to see - a professional female artist...
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- ..as they often opted - for marriage or teaching.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- However, she was adamant that she - would become a professional artist.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- After graduating from Slade...
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- ..Gwen came to Paris to study with - Whistler at the Academie Carmen.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- She lived in Montparnasse.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05- At that time, it was unusual - for a small-town girl from Tenby...
0:05:05 > 0:05:10- ..to escape to somewhere like Paris - and live on her own.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- However, we must put this - into a wider context.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- Paris was widely known - to women of that age...
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- ..as a place where women - could live independently...
0:05:24 > 0:05:29- ..and follow careers - as artists or writers.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34- Women flocked to Paris - to live freely.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39- Gwen's self-portrait from that time - gives us a glimpse of her character.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- It shows her eagerness - to be taken seriously as an artist.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49- We see a character - who's quite deep and serious.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- There's a focus on the face - against the plain background.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- A strong light - illuminates the face.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02- It's important to look - at how she presents herself.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- She's wearing clothes - that were decades out of fashion.
0:06:06 > 0:06:12- She was eccentric and artistic - and would dress in this way...
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- ..to show herself - as an educated individual.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- She was a new woman - or a thinking woman.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25- In Paris, Gwen met artistic greats - including Picasso and Matisse.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- Paris was an exciting place - for young artists...
0:06:29 > 0:06:34- ..but a meeting with a famous - European artist changed her life.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- To sustain herself financially, - Gwen modelled for these artists.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- It was common practice at the time.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- Her brother Augustus - suggested that she approach...
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- ..the world-famous sculptor - Auguste Rodin.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- It is thought - that Augustus encouraged her...
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- ..to meet with Rodin, - the accomplished sculptor.
0:06:58 > 0:07:04- She presented herself at his home - as Gwen John, sister of Augustus.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- She explained that she was looking - for modelling work.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- Augustus told her - to consider it an honour...
0:07:12 > 0:07:14- ..to be of service to Rodin.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- She would have stood in a large room - with dozens of other workers.
0:07:21 > 0:07:27- I imagine that Gwen - would have been surprised...
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- ..to see such a place...
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- ..and the way in which Rodin worked.
0:07:34 > 0:07:40- When Gwen met Rodin, - he was almost 40 years her senior...
0:07:40 > 0:07:44- ..and was one of the world's - most established artists.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51- After the break...
0:07:51 > 0:07:57- ..we hear about Gwen and Rodin's - turbulent, passionate relationship.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02- These boxes hold 2,000 letters - from Gwen to Rodin.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- We'll look at her final days - before her death in Dieppe.
0:08:06 > 0:08:12- This is our only solid proof - that Gwen passed away here.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- We also celebrate her life, - her work and her legacy.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24- It's wonderful to be a part - of the unveiling of a plaque...
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- ..in the town where she died.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- Her memory will live on here.
0:08:32 > 0:08:32- .
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0:08:43 > 0:08:49- The Rodin Museum in Paris is home - to some of his great masterpieces.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- His only full sculpture of Gwen John - is prominently displayed here.
0:08:55 > 0:09:01- Rodin was 40 years older than Gwen, - but he was the love of her life.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- She modelled - for Rodin's monument to Whistler.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- According to Rodin, - Gwen had "un corps admirable!"
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- She was a popular model, with - an ideal physique for sculptors.
0:09:15 > 0:09:21- Initially, I suspect Gwen - was attracted to the excitement...
0:09:21 > 0:09:27- ..of being involved with the work - of the legendary Auguste Rodin.
0:09:27 > 0:09:33- She certainly felt a physical - and sexual attraction towards him.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- If we think of Rodin's studio...
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- ..there would have been - several men and women...
0:09:42 > 0:09:47- ..in a situation that could - be deemed slightly erotic.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- She would have been part of this.
0:09:50 > 0:09:56- The Rodin Museum's archive houses - proof of the pair's relationship.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- Gwen was his mistress - for over a decade.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- These boxes hold 2,000 letters - from Gwen to Rodin.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- Sometimes, she wrote to him - several times a day.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- She repeatedly wrote - of her love for him.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- We don't know if he read them all, - but he did keep them.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- Rodin certainly - made an impression on her.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29- He encouraged her to paint, - and thought highly of her work.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- I believe that he managed - to persuade her...
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- ..that she could paint, - and that she should persevere.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- Gwen did paint at home.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- She created masterpieces - in her confined Montparnasse garret.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- Rodin visited Gwen in her room - one morning each week.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- She'd wait at home every morning, - just in case he came.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- She'd wash and brush her hair, - place fresh flowers on a table...
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- ..and wait for the sound - of his footsteps on the stairs...
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- ..to enjoy the pleasure - of a rare hour in his company.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- Over time, - Rodin's romance with Gwen dwindled.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33- As Rodin grew distant, - her thoughts turned to God.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41- In 1913, she was accepted...
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- ..as a full member - of the Catholic Church.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- She would often come and sketch - at the back of this church.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- In a letter, she described herself - as "God's little artist."
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- She also wanted to be a saint.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- The church was Gwen's solace...
0:12:06 > 0:12:12- ..when she lost the man who had - consumed her life for 15 years.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- His death broke Gwen's heart...
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- ..and even made her - doubt her sanity.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- However, she gradually began - to paint again.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- After a long romance with Rodin...
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- ..his death also released her.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- She painted regularly and staged - a solo exhibition in London...
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- ..and the National Museum of Wales - bought one of her works.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- By this time, she had purchased - a plot in Meudon...
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- ..and hoped to convert - a garden shed into a home.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- However, her health deteriorated.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Gwen's final years were lonely.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- She spent increasing amounts of time - meditating and praying.
0:12:57 > 0:13:02- This cold hut in Rue Babie - is where she spent most of her days.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- When workers came to fix the roof...
0:13:05 > 0:13:10- ..she slept outdoors, with - no thought for her fragile health.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- In September 1939, Gwen travelled - by train from Paris to Dieppe.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- She was 63 years old - and had been ill for some time...
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- ..but wouldn't admit - to the severity of her illness.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- She hadn't contacted her friends - for two years.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- As a result, we don't know - where she was going, or why.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- However, this was her final journey.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- There are several theories - about her trip to Dieppe.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- Was she going to catch a ferry - to England to see her brother?
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- Was she escaping the horrors of war?
0:14:05 > 0:14:10- Or was she escaping - to the tranquillity of the coast?
0:14:21 > 0:14:27- Dieppe was a hive of activity - when Gwen stepped off the train.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- She was rushed - to the hospital in Dieppe...
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- ..but died a few days later.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- Gwen was taken to this hospital.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- The original brick - can be seen on this building...
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- ..and on the other side.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- The nuns who worked here - helped the poor and ill.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54- We have a photograph of how the - hospital looked during Gwen's time.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- We can see the brick walls...
0:14:56 > 0:15:01- ..and in the middle, - the chapel that was demolished.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- Her final days - are shrouded in mystery...
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- ..so any new lead - was extremely valuable to us.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- The records of Dieppe's deceased - are kept at the town hall.
0:15:15 > 0:15:21- Gwen's death certificate - was among the archives.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- Here it is, - a record of Gwen John's death.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32- Mary Gwendolen John, 63 years old...
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- ..an unmarried artist...
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- ..born in Haverfordwest, - "Angleterre."
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- She died here at 2.30pm...
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- ..on 18 September 1939.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53- It says that she lived - in Rue Babie, Meudon.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- This is the only proof we have - of Gwen John's death.
0:16:04 > 0:16:10- The cause of Gwen's death - wasn't recorded.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- However, she did know - that the end was near.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- She sent for a local lawyer, - Jean Jousset, to record her will...
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- ..and make arrangements - for her funeral.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- Surprisingly, - there's no record of her funeral...
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- ..and no sign of a headstone.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- At her London home...
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- ..Sara John, Gwen's great-niece - and the granddaughter of Augustus...
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- ..has been researching - her aunt's final journey.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- She longs for a memorial for Gwen.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- A friend recently commented...
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- ..on how discreet it was of Gwen...
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- ..and how typical it was - to die so discreetly...
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- ..and not have a plaque.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10- But because of her - extraordinary contribution...
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- ..I think that it's very important - for all of us...
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- ..to have a discreet - little plaque put there.
0:17:20 > 0:17:25- People will know and can pay - their respects to that site.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- Two years ago...
0:17:28 > 0:17:34- ..we discovered that Gwen - was buried here at Janval cemetery.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39- Cemetery records also showed that - her body was exhumed and cremated...
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- ..to accommodate the bodies - of soldiers in the 1940s.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- We've now unearthed - even more information.
0:17:47 > 0:17:53- Two years have passed - since you last visited...
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- ..and we've done further research.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- We believe that her body - was exhumed in the 1960s.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07- Do you have proof in the form - of an official document?
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- No, there's no documentation...
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- ..so there's still - an element of mystery.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- The dates may be in doubt...
0:18:16 > 0:18:22- ..but she was undoubtedly - buried here in a communal grave.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- This is where - she should be remembered.
0:18:28 > 0:18:34- The big day has arrived - - the unveiling of the memorial.
0:18:34 > 0:18:40- The skilful work of making - the memorial has been completed...
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- ..and a dream is about to come true.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- Manon Rhys has travelled - to witness this important day.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- She wrote Cysgodion, a book - about Gwen and Rodin's relationship.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- I hope this memorial in Dieppe, - where Gwen John died in 1939...
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- ..will be something visual.
0:19:01 > 0:19:07- I feel quite emotional that she's - finally found peace in Dieppe.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- We can finally share in this peace.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- What do you think Gwen - would make of all this?
0:19:15 > 0:19:17- She lived in the shadows.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- During the unveiling ceremony...
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- ..she'll be somewhere - in the background.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- I'm glad that I've been able - to come to Dieppe...
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- ..on such a beautiful day...
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- ..to be a part of this celebration.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- We're celebrating - that this famous artist...
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- ..finally has a memorial.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- Very little has been said - about Gwen in France.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- However, the organizers in Dieppe...
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- ..have welcomed the opportunity - to remember her.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- Unfortunately, - Sara John was unable to attend.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- Two more of Gwen's great-nieces, - Caroline and Rebecca John...
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- ..have come to represent the family.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- Within my family, - she was rarely talked about.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- There were hints of this interesting - aunt who lived alone in Paris...
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- ..and drew cats.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- This was my first image of Gwen.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- She was supposed to have had - an affair with Rodin.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- This was not talked about...
0:20:33 > 0:20:38- ..because she was very private and - the family rather respected this.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- My sister and I would like - to extend our grateful thanks...
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- ..to Ffion Hague and the Mamwlad - team for all their work...
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- ..in solving the mystery of our - great-aunt's last resting place.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58- It has taken a dedicated team - of Welsh ladies to complete the job.
0:20:59 > 0:21:05- Gwen came to France - in search of artistic inspiration.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- We came here - because she was our inspiration.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15- It gives me great pleasure - to do the unveiling.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- Here is the plaque.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- Isn't it lovely?
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- We have thought about her - a lot over the years.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- There have been various attempts - to find her, without success.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- I never dreamt that I'd be here - for this occasion.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- I'm beginning to feel - very emotional and grateful.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- Many other Welsh people - have come to celebrate her life.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- Paris has a large Welsh society - with around 60 members.
0:22:00 > 0:22:06- We've come to remember her along - with other Welsh speakers in France.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11- Dieppe has gone to a great effort - with a Welsh flag and the daffodils.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- It's wonderful.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18- It's recognition for Wales in - France that doesn't involve rugby.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- Now, we've been recognized - within the art world.
0:22:22 > 0:22:28- Gwen John has received a fitting - memorial that was very emotional.
0:22:28 > 0:22:34- When people arrive at the cemetery, - they'll see Gwen John's plaque.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- When I heard the translation of this - quote, it brought tears to my eyes.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- It's a beautiful quote, perfect.
0:22:42 > 0:22:43- Wow!
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- It's something very, very moving.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- She was lost in Dieppe - at the beginning of the war...
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- ..and nobody could come to see her - into her last resting place.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- Now, 75 or 76 years later, - here we are.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- It's an extraordinary moment.
0:23:09 > 0:23:14- The ceremony has ended - and I'm feeling very emotional.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- It's been a long journey - to reach this point.
0:23:19 > 0:23:25- I hope the plaque will be - a reminder of Gwen and her work...
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- ..and introduce her - to a new generation.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- In a way, this final chapter - also opens up a brand-new one.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis