Rodin in London

I`m happy to share a little story about Rodin in London in Perfect English Blog.

What would an average Englishman say when asked about the French? I'd say most we would say the French are a bunch of cheese eaters. However as Brits tend to mock those closest to them, this is a sign of affection. France is a close neighbour of the UK and we have a very long relationship, especially in times of conflict.

One evidence of that is that on 8 November 1914, the great French sculptor Auguste Rodin (1840–1917), who is considered by many to be the first 'modern' sculptor, gave the Victoria and Albert Museum in London eighteen of his sculptures in honour of the French and British soldiers fighting side by side in the First World War. My wife and I were lucky to see this remarkable collection recently.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Rodin’s gift to the museum was immediately seen as a sign of gratitude and respect “not only to the British heroes who had fallen, but to those who live, and carry high the banner of freedom, side by side with their most valiant brethren of France”. Rodin himself was quoted very simply: “The English and French are brothers; your soldiers are fighting side by side with ours. As a little token of my admiration for your heroes, I decided to present the collection to England. That is all”.

Another poignant and beautiful work of Rodin stands in the gardens west of the Houses of Parliament. It is called The Burghers of Calais and I’ve never seen it until a rainy day when my wife and I were walking from Tate Britain. And it’s worth a stroll!

The sculpture tells the story of the siege of Calais in 1347, during the Hundred Years War, when the town was surrounded for a year by English soldiers under King Edward III. Six leading citizens of Calais, the Burghers, offered to die if Edward spared the rest of the town's people. Edward's wife, Queen Philippa, heard about the Burgher's offer and asked if they could also be spared if the town surrendered. Edward agreed and all the people of Calais were allowed to leave.

Rodin made his original sculpture in 1889 to stand outside Calais town hall and later made four casts, of which this is one. It was bought by National Art Collection Fund in 1911. Rodin came to London to give advice on where to put it. His masterpiece serves as a monument to humble, everyday heroes. It is true and it is beautiful.

I must admit I was really impressed by Rodin’s legacy, however I'll never admit to actually liking the French...