Villa Cavrois
Built between 1929 & 1932 as a family home for Paul Cavrois by the architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, to accommodate their 7 children and staff. M Cavrois owned local textile mills. He married his brother’s (killed in WW1) widow who already had 3 children and they then had 4 children. The villa is thought to be a total work of art – combining architecture, decoration and furniture.
It was occupied by German troops (1940-44) during which time it was damaged. The Cavrois family returned in 1947 and restored the villa, living there until 1985. A somewhat chequered few owners followed & the property went into disrepair. It was bought by the state in 2001 and given to the national monuments in 2008. Restoration started in 2003, in different phases, using old photographs and original materials and methods wherever possible.
The result is spectacular! I would willingly move in tomorrow!!
La Piscine
In 1932 Albert Baert built ‘the most beautiful’ swimming pool in France! It is an Art Deco masterpiece that was converted in 2001 to house the Roubaix art collection. The building’s original use has been used in a querky way to present the art and sculptures. The latter are displayed around the original poolsides and the water offers interesting reflections. The old changing cubicles are used to display contemporary collections. Short bursts of swimming pool noise (kids screaming & shouting) add a little ‘something’! The extended galleries provide a huge variety of art.
Piedaleau 