The door on the left was designed by Matisse for the Chapelle du Rosaire at Vence. The door on the right was inspired by Matisse’s work and made by Dinas potter, Len Rees.

If you have enjoyed the Matisse exhibition at Tate Modern and the paper cutouts that he made when he could no longer paint, you may be interested in his Chapelle du Rosaire project. Matisse embarked on his ambitious design work for the chapel in 1947 when he was already elderly and frail. His much-loved carer, who left his employment to become a nun, subsequently asked for his help in designing a chapel for the convent. The chapel was consecrated in 1951 and Matisse, who wasn’t well enough to attend the ceremony, sent this comment to be read on the occasion:

« cette œuvre m’a demandé quatre ans d’un travail exclusif et assidu, et elle est le résultat de toute ma vie active. Je la considère malgré toutes ses imperfections comme mon chef-d’œuvre »

In Len Ree’s beautiful gallery you will find other reminders of the south of France and some of Len’s recent work in porcelain. I found it difficult to take good photos. The items are exquisite. The photos should just be a spring board to the real thing. Believe me.

Len Rees – pots in his gallery at Dinas

Len Rees – vase

Len Rees – vase

Len Rees -vase

Len Rees – bowl

Len Rees – vase