Legion of honour – Légion d’honneur

Feb 1, 2023 | About

A glimpse at French traditions. The Legion of honour is the highest order of the French republic, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 to distinguish citizens for military or civic merits.

Wearing the insignia, a narrow red ribbon, is optional in everyday life but expected at official gatherings.

I had the special honour to receive the order of the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur from the hands of the French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin in the magnificent décor of the Hôtel Matignon.

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Inside the studio

Inside the studio

Here’s some pictures from both my studio in the countryside and from atelier training at the Art Academy in Stroud (Gloucestershire).

Leaves and buds

Leaves and buds

Nature studies. Exercises in observation, looking for the light, for volumes, for shapes, structures and shifts of plane. Both meditative and exhausting.

Toma de Sovinjak

Toma de Sovinjak

When you go to the National Gallery, you cannot miss Whistlejacket. The life-size portrait of a racehorse owned by the Marquess of Rockingham is a daring painting by George Stubbs.

My first exhibition in a magical setting

My first exhibition in a magical setting

The fabulous gallery spaces at Fort Gorgast were the setting for my first exhibition. Michael Gauss’ photos capture the magical spirit of the building that is part of Forte Cultura. Many thanks to him, and to all those who joined us for an unforgettable party!

Czechoslovakia Bewildered

Czechoslovakia Bewildered

From my archives: an essay about Czechoslovakia one year after the fall of the communist regime, a country caught between revolution and an impossible restauration.

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