In Memory of Claire De Rouen

It is not often in life that you meet someone who gives a sense of being iconic, just by being themselves. Shortly after graduating from film school, I got a job working in a graphic design bookshop, and I met someone like that. Her name was Claire De Rouen. She was the partner of my manager, and ran the store several shops up. Since moving from London, I’ve often thought of going by her shop to visit her. I really wish I had, as recently I was sad to hear that she passed away. I’ve been thinking about her since, so wanted to write a few words about her.

Claire De Rouen, was someone that if you met even briefly, you would not soon forget. That razer sharp fringe, the kohl lined eyes, the designer clothes (that on her modest salary I'm never sure how she afforded), the gold jewellery, the high heels. Walking down the street briskly to and from lunch breaks, she was often accompanied by Tara, her willful little pug.

*illustration by Hormazd Narielwalla

She was a charming, glamorous woman. She spoke several languages fluently. No one knew her age. She believed in the artists she admired, and knew the subjects of fine art and fashion photography inside out. She was a valuable resource to all those around her. She counted many famous photographers (Maplethorpe is the one I remember) and fashion designers as friends. She was as patient with and passionate about the young aspiring artists who worked for her, as she was to the established artists and fashion professionals who frequented her shop.

Her store was the best kind of specialist bookshop, carrying carefully selected books that often, you couldn't track down anywhere else (whether they be out of print, or in some limited edition, or by a small press) . Amongst the hard to find, were also the newest ,glossiest, and fresh off the press. You see, publishers and distributors loved Claire too.

Her store then, was one of a small chain of four art bookshops. You could even argue, that it was the success of hers, that propped the others up. She got away with ordering what and how much she wanted, even when the company was struggling. Finally when it did go bust, it was her character and vision, which led to her being approached to run a shop in her own name. It was no surprise to anyone who knew her, that it turned out to be a success .

I know and respect a lot of artists, but the success of any artist, comes not only from their own talent and drive, but for everyone along the way who has supported that vision. Claire was one of those kind of people, and above all else I will remember her for that .