Jacques Léonard (1909-1994) was a photographer and filmmaker closely connected to the world of imagery. He began his career at Gaumont studios in Paris and collaborated with renowned director Abel Gance on several films. During a trip to Spain, he met the head of the Cinematography Service, who became his mentor and introduced him to Ulargui Films. Léonard worked there as a film editor.

In 1952, he settled in Barcelona and became fascinated with the gypsy culture. He documented their lives and traditions, capturing a unique perspective on the city. His photographs, spanning from 1952 to the mid-1970s, are considered the most significant collection of images depicting the gypsies of Barcelona.

Léonard's work showcased the dignity and richness of the gypsy community, earning him the trust and openness of their families. He collaborated with various publications and received commissions from local organizations. His photographs also appeared in books about Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.

The Jacques Léonard Family Archive, managed by his children, contains a vast collection of negatives and vintage prints. It provides an intimate and anthropological narrative of Barcelona's gypsy culture.

Recent research in the archives revealed Léonard's documentation of a significant event in 1943, the mass exodus of young people fleeing fascism in Madrid. This discovery led to an exhibition titled "Evadés, 29 Décembre 1943."

The life and work of Jacques Léonard are showcased in the documentary "El payo Chac," produced by Curt Ficcions and narrated by his grandson, Yago Léonard.

Courtesy of Photographic Social Vision

Exhibited at Galería Oda