Advertisement

Iconic photographs stolen from Quebec photographer’s home

René Lévesque shooting pool with a cigarette between his lips. Jacques Nadeau

MONTREAL – Jacques Nadeau has nothing to show for 35 years of capturing between 35 000 and 50 000 photographs.

The Le Devoir photographer’s home in Outremont was robbed earlier this week.

Thieves made off with his computer, some of his most celebrated prints and five harddrives containing his entire collection.

“Tomorrow morning I will restart. 35 years gone, but I will restart,” said Nadeau.

Le Devoir photographer Jacques Nadeau is seen in this file photo working the Richelieu River floods Thursday, May 5, 2011 in Saint Blaise, Quebec. The 35-year veteran has had his life’s work stolen which he says comprises of 30,000 – 50,000 photos of some of the most memorable events in Quebec’s history. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

He hopes to rebuild part his collection from archives, but he estimates about 95 per cent of his work was stolen.

Story continues below advertisement

Nadeau is noted for his documentation of major Quebec political moments and players.

One of the prints stolen was his most celebrated snapshot: then-premier

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

“It’s my life, my passion, my love,” he said.

“I’ve worked since 1977 and when I retire I just wanted to show my picture to people – maybe have an exhibition.”

Story continues below advertisement

The only other item stolen from the home was his television.

“I wouldn’t have cared if they took everything else, but leave my pictures,” he said.

Montreal police are investigating.

Sponsored content

AdChoices