Propriété Bégule

Hidden within Lyon, the Propriété Bégule whispers tales of a remarkable family legacy. This property, once the heart of Lucien Bégule’s artistic endeavors, reflects a history intertwined with revolution, resilience, and the vibrant art of stained glass. Lucien Bégule, born in 1848, inherited a legacy shaped by his family’s turbulent past. His grandfather, Jean-Marie Joseph Bégule, narrowly escaped the guillotine during the French Revolution, his life spared by a fortunate intervention. Years later, a risky venture in Cuba led Lucien’s father, Georges, on a perilous voyage across the Atlantic. There, amidst the exotic landscapes of Saint Yago de Cuba, Georges not only encountered the harsh realities of plantation life but also discovered his artistic passion, sketching scenes that transformed him into an amateur ethnologist and botanist. He also found love, marrying Stéphanie Peillon, before returning to Lyon in 1829. Georges purchased the Propriété Bégule in Choulans in 1863. He commissioned his architect friend, Fusy, to construct the family home where Lucien would establish his renowned stained-glass workshop. Lucien’s youth, steeped in a blend of religious and artistic influences, shaped his future path. As a child, he meticulously copied engravings of French royalty, nurturing an early fascination with the medieval world. His education at the Jesuit college of Mongré, known for cultivating individuals of high moral and intellectual value, further honed his skills. There, he embraced photography, a cutting-edge technology at the time, even establishing personal connections with the Lumière brothers. After a period of artistic training and collaboration with notable figures like Chatigny, Bossan, and Miciol, Lucien’s passion for stained glass ignited. Inspired by the magnificent windows of Chartres, Sens, and Bourges, he dedicated himself to this art form. With his parents’ blessing, he built a workshop on the Propriété Bégule, designed by Auguste Monvenoux. It was here that Lucien Bégule’s artistry flourished, transforming the property into a hub of creativity and innovation. The Propriété Bégule, more than just a building, stands as a testament to the Bégule family’s indomitable spirit and their enduring contribution to the world of art.