A short while ago I chatted at episode 152 with Clare Needham, Curator at the Bendigo Art Gallery all about their amazing current exhibition Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925. This exhibition finishes on Bastille Day next week, so I popped back yesterday to see all the fabulousness there with friends who are just as crazy about all things French as I am! I had a petit chat with mes amies afterwards which is included in this episode.

The Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925 exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the lively and picturesque streets of historic Paris with real footage of life as it was, as well as artworks and even advertising posters, fashion and other artefacts dotted through the gallery. There are seven themed rooms or pathways, which take us through the most iconic parts of Paris. We discovered artisan street signs alongside wonderful posters and maps of Paris as well as fascinating footage of bustling marketplaces and grand boulevards. We wandered virtually through the jardins of Paris, saw some beautiful historic couture, immersed ourselves in artworks depicting life on the banks of the Seine, the Tour Eiffel and the heady atmosphere of bohemian Montmartre with artworks by Toulouse Lautrec and footage of the Can Can. 

This exhibition has more than 170 works of art and artisan objects reflecting on a period of great social change, urban development and artistic innovation which shaped the modern Paris that we love today. 

The Paris: Impressions of Life 1880-1925 exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery and the Electric Wonderland light show both end on Bastille Day, 14 July 2024. 

If interested in the Normandy Retreat mentioned in this episode, email Jane: [email protected] 

For free tickets to the Loulabelle's champagne soirée in Prahran, Melbourne this Thursday 11 July 2024, head to the LFF website and click the link in the post for episode 158.

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Louise Prichard is the host of the Loulabelle's FrancoFiles podcast.
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Loulabelle's FrancoFiles website