Dear Camille...

Since the late 19th century, many historians have devoted their research to Camille Claudel. Numerous tributes have been paid to her, to the extent that one might say, she is now enjoying a revival, of sorts. Continuing on in the tradition of our ‘Dear …’ Collection, Chère Camille is the first book to combine the perspectives of contemporary creators in the form of a letter to an artist who is once again back in the spotlight.

The twenty or so contributors who have taken part in the project come from all different disciplines and backgrounds: a film-maker, visual artists, a chocolatier, writers, a musician, etc. All attest to the influence of Camille’s oeuvre and personality in their own personal work. They reveal the emotions and reserve they felt upon being asked to write to Camille. These letters, without a response, are yet another record for the posterity of Camille Claudel.

This autumn (2016), the first museum devoted to the artist, the Musée Camille Claudel, will be inaugurated in Nogent-sur-Seine, a town where Camille lived with her family for part of her adolescence, and where she would make the acquaintance of Alfred Boucher, who would later introduce her to Auguste Rodin. The latter would become her teacher and the love of her life. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Camille Claudel works. Chère Camille is published in honour of this remarkable occasion.