Peace and painting

Just round the corner from Leicester Square, in amongst cafes, bars, cinemas, steak houses, opposite a Premier Inn and next to a construction site, is another haven of peace and calm, an escape from the noise and bustle of London streets.
 
Notre Dame de France
This is the most recent version of a Catholic church that has been rebuilt several times since it was founded in 1865, to provide for French people living in London. Although you would not know this from the outside, it is a large, circular, rather beautiful building, offering a welcome to anyone in need of a little tranquillity or rest.
 
However, the glory of the church is the artwork within it, above all some wonderful murals by legendary French filmmaker, artist and designer, Jean Cocteau. He came to London to paint the murals in November 1959 and, such was his fame at the time, that a screen was erected to keep the public away while he painted.
 
The three scenes from the life of Mary, including the Assumption and the Crucifixion of Jesus, are full of life – quite unlike anything seen in British religious art. The details are amazing and full of symbolism. Cocteau even included a self-portrait (see extra), though quite what he was trying to say in his expression is open to interpretation.
 
In 2012 someone tried to add’ to the painting and they are now sadly displayed behind glass panels. But still well worth finding.
 

Home now – after we have all had a wonderful weekend.