Gwen John: Y Daith Olaf

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

Gwen John: Y Daith Olaf

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