The artistic heritage of the monks of Wisques 2

This tour will allow you to discover a unique regional art, produced by monk artists from the first part of the 20th century. You will appreciate the unspoilt landscapes of the Blequin and Aa valleys. Between Wisques and Leulinghem, you can see the old cathedral of Saint-Omer. A journey combining nature and culture, to be done with the family.

1. Church of St. Peter at Quelmes

   In this church, discover a monumental ceramic tile of 10/10 representing Saint Peter with ties made by Father Dom Bouton in the 1950s. We can see the artist monk's trademark: a drawing with a black outline that he fills with flat areas of bright colours. The liturgical arrangement, i. e. the altar, the communion bench, the tabernacle and the side altars are made of earthenware and come from the workshops of Wisques. It is difficult to determine, in the absence of exact sources, the author of these works knowing that the artist monks work together.

2. Chapels of Our Lady

   Along the way, you will discover two brick chapels dedicated to Notre-Dame and Notre-Dame de la Garde. The second, in the form of a tower, is a work by Joseph Philippe and dates from 1947. This one is Dom Bellot's student. His style is recognizable by the way he plays with materials. Dom Bellot was nicknamed the poet of the brick.

3. Saint-Maurice de Leulinghem

   As for Saint-Pierre de Quelmes, the artist monks of Wisques restored this 12th century church in the 1950s. A mixture of Christian tradition and modernism that can be found in the representation of the crucifixion made of ceramic tile 10/10 by Dom Bouton. You have undoubtedly recognized the four frescoes by François Mes de Joan of Arc and facing the centurion. On either side of the passage, the Virgin and Saint Joseph accompanied by the Child Jesus. The baptistery is also a realization of the monks of Wisques.

   
   

   
   

4. Abbey Saint-Paul de Wisques

   This young abbey, at the instigation of Father Savaton, has been able to attract talents who have artistically shaped this amazing place and the surrounding churches. In the 1930s, Dom Paul Bellot, a monk architect, built the new building adjoining the original "great castle" and including the refectory, two floors of cells and the magnificent cloister gallery. In 1946, the Monastic Art Workshops were created, bringing together a group of artist monks:

   Father Bouton (1914 - 1980) ceramic designer, Father Goossens (1910 - 1976) architect, Father Rousse (1932 - 1978) poet, Father Houssain (-) liturgical draftsman and Father Cholewka (born 1922) glass master as well as Brother François Mes (1892 - 1983) painter.