A Homage to Monsieur Nicéphore Niépce.

Aug 14

No greater love hath any man but to drive an ancient jalopy whose only air con is the open window, over four hundred km in 36 degrees heat to pay homage to his hero, Monsieur Nicéphore Niépce. Because of him, Mark not only makes a living out of photography, not only has a passion which will last until the last click of the shutter but he has a reason to get out of bed every morning, camera at the ready.

As a massive admirer of Nicéphore Niépce, he is celebrating the bicentenary of Niépce's world-changing discovery with a month-long exhibition showcasing portraits of local artisans, shopkeepers, and workers in Amboise.

The pilgrimage started in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes where Nicéphore Niépce had a holiday home. Although a pretty little village, if it were not for the Master's Workshop where he produced the first fixed photograph two hundred years ago it's doubtful anyone would visit. It's wonderful.

Photographers are frustrated to be shown the window where the Master took the photograph which changed the world but are not allowed to photograph it.

Then it was on to the church graveyard where the Master lies side by side with his wife. A magnificent memorial it is not. Sad. Neglected. No man is a prophet in his own land.

We have contacted all and sundry suggesting launching Friends of Nicéphore Niépce to pay due respect to the grave of the patron saint of photography—an honour that Saint Veronica (according to Christian tradition, she wiped the face of Jesus with her veil as he carried the cross to Calvary, leaving a miraculous image of his face imprinted on the cloth, and this capturing of an original likeness led to her association with photographers) would surely not grudge sharing with him.

To see the unattractive concrete monument commemorating the Master's achievement means taking your life in your hands as you dodge the traffic. Incidentally, the monument makes a brief appearance with Alain Delon in the 1970s film Le Cercle Rouge.

The pilgrimage ended in the Master's home town of Chalon-sur-Saône. True he is honoured with a fine statue, true there is a plaque on the house where he was born but again oh dear. To say it could do with a facelift is to put it mildly. Why the town doesn't buy it is a mystery.

However, Le Musée Nicéphore-Niépce which is owned by the town is a triumph. On all accounts. Friendly, enthusiastic staff, beautifully designed, beautifully curated, makes it well worth a visit. Well worth a couple of days in fact, there is so much to see.