Stiftelsen Grez-sur-Loing

01/06/2026

We are delighted to announce the exceptional opening of the Hôtel Chevillon in Grez-sur-Loing on Sunday, 7 June 2026, as part of the Festival de l’Histoire de l’Art in Fontainebleau and its surrounding region.

From 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, visitors are invited to explore our beautiful garden and artists’ studios, with resident artists present to welcome and meet the public.

At 3:30 pm, a guided tour of the historic interiors will offer a unique opportunity to discover the rich history of Hôtel Chevillon. To register, send a text message to 06 03 68 49 50.

Among the artworks on display is the portrait of Mme Chevillon by Fernande Sadler, generously on loan from the collection of the Mairie-Musée de Grez-sur-Loing (image 2).

Take this opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the historic Hôtel Chevillon, a gathering place for many members of the international artists’ colony that flourished in Grez-sur-Loing in the late 19th century. Among its notable visitors were the Swedish artists Carl and Karin Larsson, the American painters Alexander and Birge Harrison, and the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson.

Mairie de Grez sur Loing Artistes Du Bout Du Monde Grez Arts euroArt

28/05/2026

Today, 173 years ago, on May 28, 1853, the Swedish painter Carl Larsson was born. He became one of the leading Scandinavian artists in Grez-sur-Loing and helped place the small French village firmly on the map in Swedish art history.

His self-portrait ”Self-Examination” (1906), holding a humorous puppet in his hand, reflects the duality of Larsson’s personality. Outwardly, he was known as highly social, witty, entertaining, and magnetic in company — a man who loved jokes and lively speeches. Yet beneath the surface, he carried an inner darkness, which also emerges in the painting as he seems to study and question himself with striking seriousness.

Also the time in Paris before arriving in Grez was marked by a difficult period of depression. But after being persuaded by his friend Karl Nordström to travel to Grez, Larsson later described the village as the turning point of his life: there he met Karin Bergöö, became engaged to her on the old bridge, and the couple’s first daughter was born in Grez… the rest is history!

23/05/2026

Last week, we had a truly wonderful time in Grez as the board of the Grez-sur-Loing Foundation gathered for its board meeting at Hôtel Chevillon in France. It was a special occasion to have the entire board together with our team on site, along with our new hosts, Mathilde Bascaules and Silvie de Clerck, and of course our housekeeper Manuela Gomes, who has loyally cared for our house for so many years!

Together, we explored Hôtel Chevillon from the rooftop all the way down to the basements, discussing ideas about how the apartments can be upgraded and made even more welcoming and comfortable in the future.

We also had the pleasure of enjoying the newly renovated balcony at Carl & Karin Larsson’s house, beautifully restored thanks to a generous grant from Konung Gustaf VI Adolfs fond för svensk kultur.

One of the highlights of the weekend was our gathering on Saturday, where we had the pleasure of welcoming the new Mayor of Grez, Carlo Carbone, and the Second Deputy Mayor Jean-Jacques Thérial. We were also delighted to spend time with dear friends and acquaintances from Grez and the surrounding area — including our residents, local artists, cultural workers, and our friends from the local associations Artistes du Bout du Monde and Grez Arts.

Merci for the beautiful moments, the inspiring conversations, and the warm community spirit we shared in France. We are already looking forward to the next time!

Mairie de Grez sur Loing Artistes Du Bout Du Monde Grez Arts

16/05/2026

Just a glimpse from Hôtel Chevillon. This long weekend, the board of the foundation is gathered here in Grez-sur-Loing for our board meeting. Alongside our discussions, we are spending time throughout the house and studios, visiting every room to reflect on what can be renewed, refined, and improved for the future.

Equally important is the joy of reconnecting with dear friends and meeting people from the village and surrounding area and fellow artist colonies nearby. It is always inspiring to return to this special place, where history, creativity, and community continue to intertwine so naturally.

08/05/2026

Our new balcony outside Carl Larsson’s annex is finally in place, and we couldn’t be happier with the result — what a transformation it has been! Take a look at the before-and-after photos in the post.

A huge thank you to Håkan Ogstedt, Henrik Ogstedt, and Johan Mårtensson for your fantastic work, your dedication to traditional building preservation, and your beautiful craftsmanship.

And many thanks as well to the paint company Engwall o. Claesson for generously sponsoring the beautiful linseed oil paint in the shade “Caput Mortuum” for the balcony restoration project!

It feels wonderful to have the project completed at last!

18/04/2026

Spring has arrived in Grez, and the restoration of the balcony at Carl Larsson’s annex is moving forward steadily. The structural frame is now complete and primed—stronger than it has been in a very long time.

All carpentry work on the balcony is nearly finished, with approximately 85% newly crafted from high-quality heartwood pine sourced from Värmland. The balcony rail sections were newly made by Johan Mårtensson of Högfuran Bygg AB who also installed the new deck.

Painting is underway using traditional linseed oil paint generously donated by Engwall o. Claesson , who have supported us with materials for both the balconies and the shutters.

Our skilled building conservator Henrik Ogstedt, together with Håkan Ogstedt from Håkan Ogstedts Snickeri och Fastighet in Sweden , have carefully studied historical colour charts and examined existing paint layers to identify the original tones.

The balcony is painted in the colour ”Caput Mortuum”, while the shutters are finished in a light chromium oxide green, achieved by mixing with seven parts white according to the Swedish National Heritage Board’s system. The doors will be installed once the balcony painting is fully completed. The intermediate coat has now been applied, and our skilled craftsmen hope to complete the final coat tomorrow… we are so excited for the result!

27/03/2026

Grez-sur-Loing in the spotlight in Paris

Every year since 1956, the Svenska Konstföreningen i Paris (Swedish Artists Association in Paris) selects a Swedish artist to create the annual lithograph — and for 2026, the honor goes to Anders Ståhl.

The lithograph, titled “Gaston’s World,” was printed at the renowned litography workshop A Fleur de Pierre in Paris. Gaston is a beloved local cat from Grez, often found perched on the bridge, quietly observing the world. 🐾

The artist Anders Ståhl shares:
“The piece is based on several of my own paintings and sketches, as well as encounters with Gaston, who sometimes sneaks into Hôtel Chevillon. The challenge was to work with a maximum of three colors, which inspired a twilight, backlit scene.”

One copy of the lithograph will become part of the collection at the Bibliothèque nationale de France — a truly remarkable recognition. Grateful for this prestigious assignment, Anders Ståhl brings a touch of Grez to the heart of Paris.

The Grez-sur-Loing Foundation sends its warmest congratulations to Anders Ståhl!🌹

21/03/2026

It is about time to continue our walk through the Hôtel Chevillon and introduce all the artists who gave their names to our apartments. Today, we take a look at Apartment 7 and the Japanese painter Kuroda Seiki (born 1866 in Kagoshima – died 1924 in Tokyo).

The Japanese artist Kuroda Seiki came to France to study law, because his family intended him for a diplomatic career, but at a party in Paris he met two Japanese painters who convinced him to enrol in Raphaël Collin’s studio in 1886. Kuroda moved from Paris to Grez-sur-Loing in 1890, where he not only indulged in painting plein-air, but also fell in love with the butcher’s oldest daughter, Maria Billaut, who became his favorite model. However, in July 1893 he returned to Japan and established an artistic career with his European education and became an important teacher for the next generation.

“From the window I saw the to***co shop owner’s son-in-law come into the garden and look through the window at us. Maria and I were sitting together on the sofa. Surprised to see us, he fled. No doubt such events gave rise to the rumors that soon spread around the village. It was terrible for Maria, but no one could help.” (Kuroda Seiki in his diary during his sojourn in Grez)

08/03/2026

08/03/2026

Yesterday was a special and memorable day for Grez. We were delighted to celebrate the inauguration of a commemorative plaque honoring the artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, whose creative legacy unexpectedly connects our village to one of the most iconic works of contemporary art.

Many remember Christo and Jeanne-Claude for wrapping the bridge Pont-Neuf in Paris in 1985. What is less widely known is that before realizing this spectacular project in Paris, Christo and Jeanne-Claude came to Grez to test the materials and techniques required for the installation. After careful research, our bridge was chosen as a testing site — creating a unique and surprising link between Grez and this historic artistic project.

Yesterday’s inauguration and the festive gathering at the mairie brought together residents, friends of the village, and special guests, including Caroline and Gerhard Wöhrl, who honored us with his presence for this meaningful tribute. Jack Bedossa, Mayor of Grez-sur-Loing, and Chloé Leray, Delegate for Culture and Management of the Prieuré, invited to this inauguration ceremony.

The plaque, installed on the garden wall of the The Grez-sur-Loing Foundation was produced thanks to private sponsorship in collaboration with Christo’s foundation in New York.

We are happy to share some photos from this wonderful moment celebrating art, history, and the unexpected stories that connect our village to the wider world. .colonies