For the 100th Anniversary of Chaplin’s character “The Little Tramp”, Jaeger-LeCoultre
has invited the Musée de l’Elysée to pay homage to the beloved actor and producer
Charlie Chaplin, with an exhibition retracing the most famous moments of his career.
Taking place in New York City and curated by the Musée de l’Elysée located in
Lausanne, Switzerland, “Chaplin Forever!” will be presented at the Film Society of Lincoln
Center from April 24th to May 4th, 2014. The exhibition is going to be inaugurated in the
presence of Carmen Chaplin, Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter.
The celebration of an emblematic figure
“The Little Tramp” is 100 years old. In 1914, at the age of 24, the young British actor was
introduced to American cinema audiences for the very first time. Gradually, he developed his
character and imposed his subtle pantomime upon the boorish game of burlesque. Chaplin
became one of the greatest filmmakers of the twentieth century. “The Little Tramp”, a vagrant
undergoing tragicomic adventures, became a hero of popular culture.
But what precisely characterizes “The Little Tramp”? His costume, his gait, his facial
expressions… At the mere mention of “The Little Tramp” or Charlie Chaplin, an iconic image
comes to mind. Custodian of Charles Chaplin photographic Archive owned by the Association
Chaplin, the Musée de l’Elysée presents a selection of images in tribute to this iconic and trans
generational character.
“The Chaplin photographic collection contains about 10’000 photographs and negatives. In the
context of this unique exhibition at the Film Society of Lincoln Center, we have the privilege to present
iconic images selected for the occasion” Sam Stourdzé, director of the Musée de l’Elysée,
mentioned.
The Musée de l’Elysée is one of the world’s leading museums entirely dedicated to
photography. Since its establishment in1985, it has improved public understanding of
photography through innovative exhibitions, key publications and engaging events. Recognised
as a centre of expertise in the field of conservation and enhancement of visual heritage, it holds
a unique collection of more than 100,000 prints and preserves several photographic archives, in
particular those of Ella Maillart, Nicolas Bouvier, Charlie Chaplin and René Burri. By supporting
young photographers, offering new perspectives on the masters and confronting photography
with other art forms, the Musée de l’Elysée experiments with the image.
A common destiny
“This exhibition came about because Jaeger-LeCoultre has a story to share about Charlie Chaplin.
Chaplin, one of the best actors, directors and producers of all times, father of “The Little Tramp” was
a Swiss resident for 25 years. He may have been born in the slums of London but he died as a living
legend in Switzerland.
When his family settled there, the Swiss government wished to give a welcome present to this great
man whose talent made its mark on history. Charles Spencer Chaplin received a Jaeger-LeCoultre
Memovox watch, engraved with the words: “Hommage du gouvernement Vaudois à Charlie Chaplin –
6 October 1953“(A tribute from the government of the Canton of Vaud to Charlie Chaplin – October
6th, 1953). Following in the steps of this gift, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Carmen Chaplin decided to join
forces to perpetuate the legend of Charlie Chaplin“ Daniel Riedo, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre,
highlighted.
The world of fine watchmaking and the art of cinema require similar skills: the mastery of detail,
the improvement of technique, an incessant creativity, and the passion for excellence. Jaeger-
LeCoultre, involved in the world of filmmaking for several years now, strives for perfection, as
did Charlie Chaplin when making movies.
Chaplin’s genius never stopped captivating and enchanting audiences around the world. He
revolutionized the art of filmmaking by transforming comedy from cheap entertainment into an
art form. The world praises Charlie Chaplin’s qualities as an actor, director and producer. He
inspired a countless range of artists around the world, but no producer or actor could ever
equal him. Many of Chaplin films are still considered among the greatest ever made.
Happening in a symbolic place
The exhibition will take place at the Film Society of Lincoln Center, in New York City. Founded
in 1969 to celebrate American and international cinema, the Film Society of Lincoln Center
works to recognize established and emerging filmmakers, support important new work, and to
enhance the awareness, accessibility and understanding of the moving image.
The Film Society produces the renowned New York Film Festival, a curated selection of the
year’s most significant new film work, and presents or collaborates on other annual New York
City festivals including Dance on Camera, Film Comment Selects, Human Rights Watch Film
Festival, LatinBeat, New Directors/New Films, NewFest, New York African Film Festival, New
York Asian Film Festival, New York Jewish Film Festival, Open Roads: New Italian Cinema, and
Rendez-Vous with French Cinema. In addition to publishing the award-winning Film Comment
magazine, The Film Society recognizes an artist’s unique achievement in film with the prestigious
Chaplin Award. The Film Society’s state-of-the-art Walter Reade Theater and the Elinor Bunin
Munroe Film Center, located at Lincoln Center, provide a home for year-round programs and
the New York City film community.
Charles Chaplin, who returned to the US from exile to accept the commendation, was the first
to be honored by the Film Society of Lincoln Center in 1972. Since then, the award has been
renamed for Chaplin, and has honored many of the film industry’s most notable talents,
including for instance Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese, Michael Douglas and many others.
Therefore, the occasion of the Chaplin Gala Dinner Award organized on April 28th by the Film
Society of Lincoln Center is definitely an appropriate moment to celebrate the 100th anniversary
of Chaplin’s “Little Tramp”.
Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Inventors from the Vallée de Joux.
A major player in watchmaking history since 1833 based in the Vallée de Joux (Switzerland), the
Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre currently houses the 180 skills required to entirely develop and
produce the most prestigious timepieces. Driven by a uniquely inventive spirit, Jaeger-LeCoultre
perpetuates the tradition of Grand Complication models illustrated by extraordinary creations
and legendary watches such as the Reverso, the 101 watch, the Geophysic, the Memovox, the
Master Control, the Gyrotourbillon, as well as the Atmos clock. Building on a vast heritage
comprising 1,249 mechanical calibres and 413 registered patents, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains the
reference in the field of Fine Watchmaking.
www.jaeger-lecoultre.com
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