Created by French illustrator Julie Guillem, this artwork captures the unique identity of Lesaffre over the past 170 years. It symbolizes the diversity of our professions, the richness of our ecosystem, and our presence in the daily lives of millions of people around the world.
Developed collaboratively with employees from various entities within the Group, the mural embodies Lesaffre’s DNA : an open, universal, and deeply human spirit. Through its shapes and colors, it reflects our grounding in modernity while paying tribute to the diversity of our cultures, our expertise, and our global presence.
The mural faces a historic building : « La Ferme de la Porte Close ». This place, whose name comes from a legend dating back to the Siege of Lille in 1667, has stood the test of time. According to tradition, a farmer refused to open his door to King Louis XIV out of caution, giving rise to the nickname « Porte Close » (« Closed Door »).
A working farm for many years, « La Ferme » once produced milk, butter, cream, and cottage cheese. It was an integral part of local life and bore witness to a strong connection with the region.
Carefully restored by Lesaffre, the farm is now a venue for seminars and exchanges, welcoming employees and partners from around the world.
By installing this mural in a spot where it visually connects with both « La Ferme » and « Le 1853 », Lesaffre aimed to create a symbolic link between heritage and contemporary creation. It embodies the balance we strive for between tradition and innovation, local roots and international reach. It also pays tribute to Lesaffre employees and their expertise.
At Lesaffre, we believe that art, like science, can bring people together, open up new perspectives, and enrich our daily lives. Sometimes, all it takes is a glance out the window or a break between meetings for history and creativity to come alive in the present.
Julie Guillem is a French illustrator who lives and works in Paris. She studied illustration at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs de Paris (ENSAD) and graphic design at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna.