French│Empire Collection
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A small private Napoleonic collection in Sydney, Australia
WELCOME
My interest in the Napoleonic period started some 25 years ago when a friend, knowing I had more than a passing interest in history, gave me the book 'The Reluctant King' - Joseph Bonaparte, King of the Two Sicilies and Spain. After reading the first few pages I knew I was hooked.
WHY AM I INTERESTED IN NAPOLEON AND THE FRENCH EMPIRE?
That’s a question I get asked a lot. For me, Napoleon’s military career is not the centre of my interest. It's the other Napoleon that fascinates me. The man who built and resurrected the French Code Civil, the Conseil d'Etat, the Banque de France, the legion d'honnour... I see Napoleon not as a military figure but as someone who created a new system of government. One that was open to anyone with talent and not based just on someone's birthright! Someone who gave women rights they had not previously had, who removed sexual discrimination laws and basically increased the rights of the individual in all the countries that came under French influence. A man ahead of his time.
MY COLLECTION
Collecting has dominated a large part of my life for the last ten years! Not a day goes by when I am not researching something, trying to find pictures similar to an item I might have just seen, or scanning the Net for items for sale. It can be a very solitary interest. But here the Internet has helped and so has the kindness of people like Bernard Chevallier, who recently retired from his role as director of Malmaison, the Parisian home of Napoleon and Josephine. As for the items I have in my collection, I will admit to having had a bit of luck with some of them. (But there's also the odd horror story!) But that is what collecting is all about, the research, the ferreting, the anticipation, the receipt of the new purchase, the display and probably the most fun, telling anyone who has been interested enough to ask, about the new addition!
AS FOR ME
I am a ‘Kiwi’ living in Sydney Australia, who sometimes wished he lived in Paris! I was there in June 2011 and had a fantastic time and will try to be back in 2012!
Thanks for taking the time to view my web site and if you feel like you want to ask any questions I'd be very pleased to hear from you.
Ken Richards - Sydney, Australia
Tout pour l`Empire
