The passing of a Brand grandfather

August 20, 2024 | |
Views: 153
| 4 comments

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Marcel Lehmann Lefranc's passing on August 10, at the age of 93, while he was on holiday in Biarritz. As we prepare for his funeral on Monday, August 26, at 3 p.m. at Notre Dame des Champs Church in Paris, I am honored to represent Colart and pay tribute to a man who played such a significant role in my life.

For 15 years, I was fortunate to have a deeply enriching relationship with Mr. Lefranc. Our regular exchanges through messages and our cherished coffee or meal meetings once or twice a year shaped much of my professional and personal outlook. Losing him feels like losing a "brand grandfather," someone who was both a mentor and a friend.

Mr. Lefranc's influence on the art world and the company was monumental. Together with his brother Albert, he managed the company's strategic move from Paris to Le Mans and orchestrated the merger with Bourgeois in the 1960s. His innovative approach to marketing, especially his work with artists and art schools, left an indelible mark. I will never forget his establishment of the Lefranc Prize for Young Artists and his incredible collaborations with luminaries such as Picasso, Soulages, Arman, Buren, Dubuffet, Viallat, and Giacometti.

After his impactful tenure, he spent ten years as the close friend and manager of César, the renowned French sculptor. His career eventually led him to the Pompidou Art Center, where he served as Publishing Director, and his generosity extended to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs as a valued donor.

Even in his later years, Mr. Lefranc showed remarkable dedication to our company's journey. His presence at key events, like the new warehouse celebration in Le Mans in 2012 and the 50th anniversary of our site in 2016, exemplified his enduring commitment. He also graciously participated in our 300th anniversary celebrations and frequently visited the Charbonnel Boutique for special occasions.

Despite the decline in his health over the past year, following a heart attack, COVID, and a broken leg, Mr. Lefranc remained engaged and inquisitive. Our last exchange in early June was a testament to his indomitable spirit.

I will always cherish the memories we created and the remarkable person he was—aged yet modern, calm and resolute, without nostalgia, and always looking towards the future. Representing Colart at his funeral will be both an honor and a deeply personal moment to celebrate his extraordinary legacy.

Thierry Collot

Directeur des relations extérieures de Colart

Funeral of Monsieur Lefranc

Comments

  1. Hi Thierry, what an incredibly touching and heartfelt tribute you have written. Thank you for sharing your own personal journey and experiences which in turn have helped me, along with many other readers I am sure, to have a better understanding and appreciation of Marcel Lehmann Lefranc.

  2. Hi Thierry
    It’s always very sad when we loose someone who has had such an influence in the brands that we are so passionate and proud of, although over the years that you and I have been a part of this Company we have shared many good times with people that are not just our collages but our very good friends. Marcel may have passed on but he will live on in the memories of not only yourself but anyone that had the pleasure to work with him. I only hope when the time comes someone as kind as yourself gives me as beautiful an epitaph as you have of this gentleman.

    Mark

  4. echoing the words of our colleagues: thank you Thierry for educating us once more on the importance of our history and the people who made that history happen. I am sure Mr Lefranc has enjoyed your time and company equally as much as you his. It is sad news, but in a way, he created something that will continue after he has left this world, and that in itself is an achievement worth remembering.