Moments of Connection

MEETING THE GRANDSON OF RENÉ-JACQUES

Yesterday while walking to The Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, I met a French gentleman who smilingly commented on my stopping in the middle of the street to photograph something that caught my eye. It had happened a few times while he had been walking behind me. We proceeded up the hill, talking about street photography and he mentioned the beauty of, and excitement invoked by an image that captures an unexpected real life moment that isn’t perfect and hasn’t been staged. As we went our separate ways he mentioned that his grandfather was a photographer, René-Jacques, and that I should look him up online.

And now as I study the black and white photos of world renowned French photographer René-Jacques (1908 - 2003), our conversation falls into place. If like me, you don’t know the name, then do a search for “Rene Jacques Photography” and be prepared to be moved by the beauty and emotion of amongst others, his photos of the deserted streets of a post-war Paris.

Pre COVID - how soon before we say back in the old days? - that very short conversation walking up a hill would most probably have become a long conversation over a cup of coffee at a little cafe or sitting on a park bench. So instead this photo of a shopkeeper vacuuming while his customers wait outside, captured yesterday afternoon on my way home is for you Mr Grandson. Thank you for those precious moments of talking about something that we both love and the introduction to your grandad’s work. 🖤

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Postscript

And we’re back to lockdown journal entries… Yesterday, 12 January, was Day 8 of the new national lockdown in England.

For those not in England, the guidance and a link to the law as it appears on the UK government website: The single most important action we can all take is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to:

  • shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person

  • go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home

  • exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

  • meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one

  • seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)

  • attend education or childcare - for those eligible

Melissa Viviers