Angers pays tribute to Jean-Adrien Mercier

Angers pays tribute to Jean-Adrien Mercier through an exhibition of his works given to the city by his daughter, Sylvie Mercier de Flandre in 2008. The exhibition takes place in the Chemellier hall, near the town hall, from june 5th to august 29th. More than 200 pieces "make this exhibition as the most important dedicated to the artist for twenty years", indicates the city website. The exhibition is divided in five parts "depicting" the genius and the mastery of Mercier, "both painting artist, poster artist, ads designer, illustrator and set designer", points out the city.

His illustrations are famous and unforgettable because most of them upset the mind of several generations of kids. Mercier illustrated albums for girls and boys, and among them his own daughter, Sylvie, as well as records, often reprinted since. His style breathes modernism, fantasizing, style, cheerfulness through bright colors he loved. He created the "Pierrot"for the Angers liquorist Cointreau, a symbol still used all over the world by the company.

After having lived in France and USA, Mercier (born in 1899) retired in his estate of Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, near Angers, close to the river he was fascinated with. He died in 1995. "Anywhere, I am always anchored in Loire" was his motto.