On April 1, 2026 at 4:43 PM, the town of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and Vendée mourned the loss of Henry Simon, a major artist in the Vendéen landscape. Simon left behind a rich collection of work, some of which has been scattered across private collections over the decades. Iconic paintings, essential for understanding his artistic process, have proven difficult to locate.
“We are actively searching for the owners, holders, or rightful owners of the artworks reproduced below. These pieces may have been acquired long ago, inherited, or lost track of over time. They could be stored in the Pays de la Loire region or elsewhere in France,” stated Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.
The Atelier Henry Simon – Les Rimajures is calling for information on these lost works in preparation for a future temporary exhibition from June 20 to November 19. The exhibition will focus on recreating Henry Simon’s creative universe through his tools, sketches, and frequented places.
“Locating these paintings would offer the public a fresh perspective on the artist’s work by bringing together rarely or never-before-seen pieces,” added the town.
The sought-after artworks can be found online on the town’s website.
Anyone who believes they recognize a piece or has information, even partial, is urged to contact the Atelier Henry Simon – Les Rimajures team via email or phone.
Participation in the search will be confidential and non-binding. Willing owners may choose to lend the artwork for the duration of the exhibition under usual conservation and insurance conditions.
Henry Simon (1910-1987) was a French painter and decorator from Vendée who studied at the Beaux-Arts in Nantes and Paris. His distinct style, characterized by bold colors and attention to local scenes, remains a vital part of Vendéen artistic identity from the 20th century.
A detailed inventory of Henry Simon’s works can be found on the website of the Friends of Henry Simon association.
Les Rimajures, located in the heart of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, is dedicated to preserving, studying, and sharing Henry Simon’s work through exhibitions and cultural activities.
The list of sought-after artworks is available on the town’s website.
