2024-08-08 05:06:02
Closed to visitors for over fifteen years, the Mosaic House in Louviers (Eure) is undergoing renovation. Its heirs are considering reopening it to the public.
Béatrice Cherry-Pellat
Published on
On Bal Champêtre Street in Louviers, this unique house still attracts attention. Its walls decorated with mosaics made from broken dishes and its two butterflies hanging from the gable have withstood the test of time since its last visitor over 15 years ago.
Behind the gate, bags of cement, fragments of dishes, and tiles await the hands that will refresh the place—those of Jean Vasseur. “I have started renovation work in my grandfather’s house,” announces the grandson of Robert Vasseur, the father of the Mosaic House. A plumbing entrepreneur, Jean Vasseur is semi-retired. He now has time to dedicate to his heritage, the home that was referred to during Robert Vasseur’s time as “the House of Butterflies”.
“He put it everywhere!”
That day, his uncle, Jean-Claude Vasseur, came to lend a hand. Jean-Claude, also known as “Nono,” is Robert’s youngest son: “I was born in this house in 1949.” Shortly after Jean-Claude’s birth, Robert and his wife Raymonde welcomed young cousins. The small Bal Champêtre house, already cramped for Jean-Claude and his siblings, needed more space: “My father started making renovations to enlarge the house. He notably moved the sink and then decorated it with pieces of broken dishes.” A decor that he finds very much to his liking since, in that year 1952, the kitchen walls and then all the rooms in the house will also receive their little bits of broken dishes. Unbeknownst to him, he contracted the virus. The mosaic then expanded to the garage, outbuildings, and the garden where Robert Vasseur built a fountain and a fish pond—one that he signed by inscribing his initials “RV.” “He put it everywhere! It was a hobby and his passion,” remembers Jean-Claude Vasseur.
A weaver during the war (his heirs have preserved some jacquard sweaters knitted by his hands), Robert Vasseur later worked as a driver at Maggi, the dairy that was located next to the ice skating rink in Louviers. During his free time, he collected broken dishes that the city’s garbage collectors set aside for him: “People left their chipped dishes in front of our door. My father was well-known in Louviers!”
A place of pilgrimage
At 80 Bal Champêtre Street, as the years go by, the house transforms into a giant mosaic, a work of art to be observed in the smallest details. Robert Vasseur embeds humorous messages here, places small bits of well-oriented mirrors to scrutinize the game of his adversaries during card games, and around the terrace, creates a game of dominoes with tiles and seashells: “The fishmonger gave us seashells. Everything was collected to decorate the house. My father had a very ecological approach!”
In the 1960s, the Vasseur family home became a place of pilgrimage. For its mosaics, of course, but also for Raymonde’s gift: “My mother was a healer, she treated many athletes. She received them in the living room, right there, on an armchair,” indicates Jean-Claude while pointing to a corner of the living room next to… the mosaic fireplace.
And twenty years later, tourist buses from abroad would come to admire the naive art.
Television shows were even filmed here, remembers Jean-Claude. We had Le Petit Rapporteur, we had Pierre Bonte who came to make a documentary, and we also had Jean-Pierre Coffe.
Raw art – naive art
Jean, the grandson, also remembers well his childhood in his grandparents’ house: “My grandfather was very jovial with visitors. In the garage, he enjoyed spraying water on his wall inlaid with mussel shells. He would say, ‘Do you want to see this wall change color?’ The wall would turn blue-violet and my grandfather would laugh.”
In 1996, the museum of Louviers dedicated an exhibition to Robert Vasseur and the “Builders of the Imagination.” Of course, it featured the work of the Postman Cheval and his palace in Hauterives—a classic work of raw art—and especially the Picassiette House in Chartres built by Raymond Isidore about twenty years before Robert Vasseur’s house: “We visited it. It too is made of mosaics but the approach was more spiritual,” observes Jean-Claude.
In the manner of Robert Vasseur
In 2002, Robert Vasseur passed away at the age of 94. This marked the end of visits; the house closed. Two years later, Jean, the grandson, bought back his house: “I was the only one interested in this property. My father lived there for a time, but he didn’t want to maintain it and continue inviting people to visit. My grandfather wanted it to stay in the family.” Busy elsewhere, Jean rarely visited. Bramble grew in front of the house, and pieces of mosaic began to peel off. And the memory faded little by little.
A few months ago, Jean sold his business, and then he started doing plumbing work, painting, and resurfacing the courtyard: “When the house is open, passersby are intrigued. They ask me questions. I even showed the courtyard to students from a school,” Jean recounts, contemplating reopening the Mosaic House to the public. “Soon, I will start fixing pieces of broken dishes. The hardest part will be doing it in my grandfather’s style. He broke the pieces with pliers, and despite what one might think at first glance, he did not embed them randomly. I hope to preserve my grandfather’s vision,” Jean states, determined to follow in his ancestor’s footsteps.
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Reviving Artistic Heritage: The Future of Mosaic Art in Louviers
The Maison mosaïque in Louviers, France, is on the brink of reopening its doors after being closed to the public for over fifteen years. This unique site, adorned with intricate mosaics made from broken china, reveals the rich tapestry of artistic heritage embedded within its walls, thanks to the late Robert Vasseur. As renovations take place, led by his grandson Jean Vasseur, a new chapter is set to unfold for this hidden gem.
Restoration and Preservation
With a renewed focus on preserving artistic traditions, the rehabilitation of the Maison mosaïque symbolizes a broader trend in cultural heritage conservation. As communities look to revive local landmarks and artists’ legacies, it highlights the importance of retaining and celebrating unique artistic expressions, such as those found in naïve art and art brut. This period of restoration not only pays homage to past creators but also enshrines their methodologies and philosophies for future generations.
Community Engagement and Tourism
The anticipated reopening of the Maison mosaïque is expected to invigorate local tourism, drawing art enthusiasts and curious visitors intrigued by the story of Robert Vasseur and the history of his enchanting creations. This trend reflects a growing interest in authentic, grassroots tourism experiences that prioritize cultural immersion over generic attractions. Community members and local businesses can greatly benefit from the influx of visitors, creating opportunities for collaborative events and exhibitions that celebrate local artistry.
Eco-conscious Art Practices
The story of Robert Vasseur, who relied on salvaged materials to create his evocative mosaics, mirrors contemporary trends in sustainable art practices. As environmental consciousness rises, artists and creators are increasingly seeking ways to integrate eco-friendly approaches into their work. The shift toward recycling materials in art not only minimizes waste but also creates a more profound narrative that resonates with audiences concerned about sustainability.
Multigenerational Artistic Legacy
As Jean Vasseur embarks on the journey of restoring his grandfather’s masterpiece, the theme of multigenerational artistic legacy takes center stage. This familial connection underscores how art can transcend time, passing knowledge and passion from one generation to the next. By embracing the techniques of the past while incorporating modern sensibilities, heirs can ensure that artistic traditions remain alive and relevant in today’s cultural landscape.
As Louviers prepares to welcome back visitors to the Maison mosaïque, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to connect generations, inspire community engagement, and promote sustainable practices within creative fields.