Royan gained its reputation with the rise of seaside resorts copied on the English model at the beginning of the 19th century. Who knows, however, that the seaside resort founded in the 5th century was an English stronghold during the Hundred Years’ War? And that Cardinal Richelieu ended up ordering the destruction of the ramparts of this rebellious city? These anecdotes and many others appear in “L’Histoire de Royan”, a comic strip produced by Patrick Giro and Marie Avril and published this summer by Éditions 53 & 58.
After having worked – among other things – on the destinies of the explorers Samuel de Champlain and Pierre Dugua de Mons, these two Royannais chose to tackle the history of their commune, from its founding until the 1970s. “Child and married in Royan”, this couple has accumulated extensive documentation and drawn on their memories to deliver a rich and well-crafted comic strip. “We also relied on the stories of former Royan residents, in particular to evoke the Second World War, the German occupation and the bombing of Royan,” explains Patrick Giro.
This professional printer and advertiser has wanted to return in recent years to his first love, drawing made “with pen and Indian ink”. Marie Avril is responsible for the coloring and co-signs the script. This new work will have taken them nearly two years of work. “We try to stick as much as possible to history,” emphasizes Patrick Giro, who notably reproduced identically the emblematic buildings of Royan destroyed by the English air force. “It really appeals to the old people of Royan and to all those who came to spend their holidays there,” assures the designer. To the point that this comic has just been republished.
“The History of Royan”, by Patrick Giro and Marie Avril, Editions 53 & 58, 17 euros.
2023-10-02 08:03:04
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