Don de Mme Malou Wagner

Clervaux - Cité de l'image would like to thank the family of Mrs Malou Wagner for their magnificent donation of historic cameras. These exceptional pieces enrich the collection of important objects from the history of photography and offer unique opportunities to document and exhibit the development of this medium. They also make a valuable contribution to the promotion of art and culture.

The cameras can be visited by appointment.

Collection of old cameras by Mrs Malou Wagner (1941 - 2023).

There are many definitions of photography. Wikipedia, for example, suggests the following Photography is a visual art in which a subject is captured as a still image using a variety of techniques, processes and materials. From the first attempts with silver salts to the digital age, the production of a photograph requires the right equipment and techniques. This collection of cameras comes from the estate of the teacher Malou Wagner.

Born in 1941, this young girl from Clervalloise remembers the Battle of the Ardennes and the second liberation of the town in January 1945. Throughout her life, Malou Wagner remained close to the town of Clervaux, which she had fallen in love with, so it is not surprising that she spent most of her professional career as an outstanding teacher in Clervaux.

Through her partner Pierre Heuschbourg, a photography enthusiast, Malou Wagner discovered the fascination of photography, which makes it possible to capture the transience of a moment for eternity. Capturing the beauty of an object or a person, giving immortality to a smile, transforming the inexpressible into an image - the thousand facets of a snapshot can alternately seduce, captivate, enchant, dazzle, confuse, amaze, impress or intoxicate.

How admirable, then, are the historical devices that make all this possible, masterpieces of mechanics, precision and ingenuity. They have created so many images, memories and documents.

It is no wonder, then, that Malou Wagner identifies fully with the city of photography, her hometown of Clervaux. How many times has she visited this temple of humanity, Edward Steichen's exhibition The Family of Man! Alone or with guests. Each time, she discovered new aspects, previously hidden details and unmistakable messages. For Malou Wagner, making The Family of Man known and understood became a mission she never gave up.

At the same time, she recognised the potential of Clervaux - Cité de l'image. The renowned World Press Photo came to the town for several years in a row. Exhibitions of historical and modern cameras, photo competitions for amateurs and professionals, the magical world of instant photography, seminars and colloquia - Malou Wagner recognised the potential of her hometown, of which she was always very proud.

The heirs have decided to donate this collection to the city of Clervaux to honour Malou Wagner's great passion.

May this modest collection be a catalyst and an encouragement to celebrate an art form that never ceases to amaze and fascinate us.

L.B.