Robert Laurent-Vibert’s Legacy to the French Academy

On 13th March 1923, Robert Laurent-Vibert entered the Aix Academy as an associate member. As he had no heirs, Eduard Aude, the Curator of the Méjanes Library, suggested that the Aix Academy would be an ideal inheritor.

His will, signed on 10th March 1923, stipulated : « I leave to the Aix Academy, the Château of Lourmarin, its lands and all its contents, on condition that a foundation , to be known as the Foundation de Lourmarin Laurent-Vibert be created. »

The legacy included furniture (C16th and C17th), a Library containing over 28.000 books, a precious collection of ancient books on travel, engravings and objets d’art.

The Academy is located at 2A rue du Quatre-Septembre in Aix en Provence. Founded in 1808 and recognised of Public Utility by Royal Ordonnance, its mission is to encourage the study of science, agriculture and litterature. Litterary prizes are awarded each year. The Foundation was created immediately after the death of Robert Laurent-Vibert and was recognised of public utility on 31st August 1927.

The Foundation is aided by its partners and benefactors. L’Association des Amis de Lourmarin, created in 1932 provides monetary aid each year for the conservation of the château and its members organise cultural activities in the château