In honour of Jacqueline

On the last day of our holiday, we ventured into Switzerland, to Martigny. We headed up the winding road, through the mountains, with stops to appreciate the spectacular views. At the Col de la Forclaz we found out about the Swiss defensive measures during the Second World War. They feared their declared neutrality would be disregarded & so prepared their defences in case.

On the way to Martigny

 

Looking down on Martigny

We went to Martigny to visit the Fondation Pierre Gianadda. This modern art centre was holding a Picasso exhibition. Never have I seen so many Picasso artworks in one space, across a range of media – paintings, sculptures, ceramics, lithographs. There must have been the best part of a 100 pieces. The theme concerned Jacqueline, Picasso’s wife & muse, who died 30 years ago.

Apart from the original works by Picasso, there was a section of photos, some family pictures, some professional pictures, of Picasso, Jacqueline & their children.

After a bit of refreshment in the café, we continued on to look at the wonderful vintage car museum. I usually find these places boring. So often the majority of the cars are post 1960 & so, to me, old crock that I am, are not vintage. Here all the cars, about 50, were pre-World War I. You could see how some had evolved in shape from a horse-drawn carriage. Some were steam-powered. All were in good condition & in working order.

AS time was marching on, & we were tiring we decided to set off back to Chamonix – I still had the packing to do. However, we had to have a quick look around the sculpture garden, especially when we noticed a Rodin’s “Kiss” & a Henry Moore.

Rodin's "Kiss"

 

Henry Moore on the left

The Fondation Pierre Gianadda is a magnificent arts centre. I gather at times they also put on concerts in the midst of the gallery. What is all the more surprising is that such a wonderful place should be in Martigny, a small provincial town. From old posters in the café we noticed they had such impressive exhibitions regularly even so.