A Mime In The Boulevard Of Crime
Marcel Carne's 1945 film The Children Of Paradise wove a fictional tale of unrequitted love around 3 historic figures of the 1820's (and a fictional 4th) as they each pursue the elusive and beautiful Garance. The film opens onto the most fantastic street scene in cinematic history. It is called the Boulevard of Crime and at its center is the pathetic figure of a clown, Pierrot who will grow to become the embodiment of melancholy, while achieving acclaim as a great performer.


Leo Sayer Finds Inspiration
Leo saw The Children Of Paradise while at Art School and was enchanted by the tale. One day when going to a photo shoot for one of his first albums he saw a photo of a Belgian mime who was then visiting London, dressed as Pierrot. He soon discovered the photographer was also a fan of The Children of Paradise. That was the moment of inspiration that lead to Leo appearing as Pierrot on stage at the beginning of his career with the launch of the 'Silverbird'.


Making The Pierrot Marionette
Leo showed me a drawing he had done back in 1974 of a Pierrot marionette. I immediately saw that it would be the perfect item to complete the portrait, but the original puppet no longer exists.

So I made one. Leo says it is about twice the size of the 1974 version. In the painting he looks fantastic, cast aside below the portrait of Leo Sayer the man, rich as the symbol of shackles from the past cast off.

I started with the clothes, and i had to remember how to make pom poms as I had not made one since childhood. His body and limbs is made from wood and plastic. I will never forget stringing him together and seeing him coming to life.


Meanings in the portrait

The making of the portrait

Photograph:
Pierrot marionette, based on the character Pierrot as he appeared in the Boulevard of Crime in the 1945 Marcel Carne film The Children Of Paradise, made and photographed by Tony Johansen.