The Galerie d’Art du Conseil General des Bouches-du-Rhone – in other words the small gallery just down from Monoprix – has quarterly exhibitions which vary tremendously in appeal, I find. But the current exhibition, ‘Tresors Cachés d’une Bibliotheque’ is a must. The title gives nothing away, and I nearly walked past, but was amazed to find in the first room alone some exquisite drawings by Braque, pages from his sketch book illustrating words of wisdom, and over twenty line drawings by Picasso from the 40s and 50s.
So what is the story behind this show? Here is Les Treilles in the Upper Var which was the home of Anne Gruner Schlumberger, a philanthropist from a very wealthy family.
She collected books and art-works, and developed her domain into a centre for creativity. The works in Aix are on loan from the Fondation Schlumberger and include exhibits from 13 artists.
There are several works from Léger
showing, with his typical black lines and blocks of colour, industrial scenes of working men, docks, chimneys, propellers….They also have his book ‘Mes Voyages’ and a pair of white gloves which you have to wear to turn the pages. The final room has engravings by Henri Laurens. I have never heard of this artist but apparently he was a very talented theatrical designer, sculptor, painter. I was intrigued. Unfortunately no photography is allowed inside and the website for the Conseil General hasn’t any pix. So I can’t post the ones I liked so much. My advice is to go and see them for yourself!
Free entry. Until 1st June;
Galerie d’Art du Conseil général des Bouches-du-Rhône
Hôtel de Castillon
21 bis cours Mirabeau
Aix-en-Provence
Tél. : 04 13 31 50 70
Tues-Sun 9h30 – 13h / 14h – 18h
aixcentric 
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