Vincent Bouat-Ferlier, Preserver of Lafayette’s Legacy

Vincent Bouat-Ferlier joined the Fondation Chambrun in December 2022 from the Musée National de la Marine, where he was Scientific Director and Head of the Museographic Project. 

Vincent Bouat-Ferlier is an alumnus of the École nationale des chartes and a graduate of the Institut national du patrimoine and Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne. He previously worked for the French National Archives and the Ministry of Culture. 

He is responsible for the conservation, study, enrichment, and promotion of the Fondation’s pieces of work inherited from General Lafayette, in particular from his Château de La Grange-Bléneau, his archive collection classified as a national treasure, and all the collections, movable and immovable property inherited from the founders. It is also responsible for promoting and supporting historical research into the development of democratic ideas. 

The Fondation Chambrun, a non-profit organization, has been recognized as a public utility since 1959. Its purpose is to preserve, restore, and maintain General Lafayette’s château, known as Château de Lagrange; to classify, complete, and promote the archives of the General and his family; and, more generally, to make known the personality, life and ideas of Lafayette, who devoted his life to the defense of the democratic ideal.

Following are Vincent’s answers to Vingt Questions.

Favorite place to visit in France, and why?

Hard to say, and hard to choose! Living in Versailles, I’m lucky enough to live in a town where the monuments and architecture are a constant reminder of the great moments in French history, while at the same time offering a living environment that’s as close to nature as possible.

Favorite place to visit in America, and why?

A few months ago, I would have said Louisiana, because I have memories of a wonderful family holiday there, with my parents and grandparents. But in recent months, Virginia, and in particular the Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia, has been a real revelation. Here too, nature and heritage provide a complete change of scenery.

What do you think the French can learn from Americans?

A certain enthusiasm and boldness in the projects to be carried out, and an energy that particularly appealed to me, especially when I saw all the events organized as part of the Farewell Tour de Lafayette.

What do you think Americans can learn from the French?

To answer that question, I’d have to be an American! To tell the truth, I think the French have a great advantage, which is their adaptability. I think we’re pretty good at adapting to the situation and the people we’re talking to. A bit like Lafayette during the Revolutionary War. But beware of generalities!

Favorite French film?

Le Crabe-Tambour, by Pierre Schoendoerffer. It’s my attraction to the Navy and life on board that speaks for itself. It’s also a memory of the 6 years I spent at the Musée National de la Marine designing and implementing the museographic project. The closed-door scenes encapsulate the essence of human life: doubt, physical and moral trials, the difficulties of living one’s convictions in the face of constraints imposed by external circumstances.

Favorite American film?

Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon without hesitation. It’s a marvel, a succession of tableaux vivants served up by exceptional lighting and actors. We are plunged into the 18th century through a tragic epic that offers a fine reflection on the human condition and vanity.

Favorite French actor or actress?

Philippe Noiret. Particularly in “Le Vieux fusil” , where he goes from a happy, empathetic character to an avenger drunk with grief after his wife and daughter are murdered by Nazis. The film is particularly disturbing insofar as the viewer is able to rejoice in vengeance. Noiret won the César for Best Actor for this film.

Favorite American actor or actress?

Michael Douglas: his anti-hero roles fascinate me. And he’s a fine Benjamin Franklin in the recent series of the same name.

Most important French figure in history and why?

If I don’t say Lafayette, I’m in trouble! I think he’s a very human historical figure. He lived through three revolutions, in which he played a major role. While he’s certainly not immune to fair criticism of his political indecision at times, in my opinion he’s a figure who echoes our contemporary society perfectly. Despite the difficulties, and at the risk of his life, he remained faithful to his convictions and his commitment to freedom, equality and social justice.

Most influential American figure and why?

Benjamin Franklin. A complete man. Scientist, diplomat, politician… And above all, a man of community service. He placed all his inventions in the public domain: that says it all!

What is your favorite American luxury?

Cadillac V-16 Convertible model 1930. Trace of a bygone past.

What is your favorite French extravagance?

Eating a seafood platter with a glass of champagne at 1am after the show.

Favorite American food?

Crab soup. In San Francisco, of course…

Favorite French food?

I love gastronomy, so it’s a difficult question. But an aligot-tripoux (mashed potatoes with fresh tome and tripe and veal belly rolled and cooked for several hours in white wine) is a childhood dish that brings back both Aveyron and fond memories.

The quality you most admire about the French and Americans?

The quality of not being discouraged.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My family!

Which talent would you most like to have?

Singing in tune. It would be better for my loved ones.

Name three people, dead or alive, who you would most like to have dinner with?

Victor Hugo, Virgil and, of course, Lafayette.

Relative to your field of study, what is the most important tradition to keep alive?

Celebrating the armistice of the 14-18 war and the victory of 1945. It is more important than ever not to forget the two world conflicts and the millions of deaths and destruction they caused. I’m always deeply moved when I look at the war memorials in French villages, where the list of the missing sometimes exceeds the number of inhabitants today.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A wooden table under a tree, children playing and the sea in the distance.