What is the link between an incredible autograph collection from the 60s’ and a charming boutique hotel in Paris called the Relais Madeleine ?
Why does Paul BOGAERT, young autograph hunter in the 60s, want to reveal his collection
when he is about to open the Relais Madeleine as a hotelier in his late fifties ?
As I learned a few years back that I would be appointed manager to open and run this hotel, a lot of happy souvenirs came back to me.
This hotel is situated in the very centre of one of my old ‘autograph haunts’ two streets away from the Olympia Theatre where all the 60s pop artists performed at least once in their musical life !
This autograph collection (about 500) was not destined to be revealed, and in my mind was to remain something very private, such as one’s stamp or scrap book collection.
But I was told that it warranted to be shared as it was so rich of famous artists that performed at the Olympia between 1962 and 1968. Many of these artists signed for their fans mostly at the stage door entrance in the Rue Caumartin the next street to rue Godot de Mauroy where The Relais Madeleine stands.
Even closer on the Boulevard de la Madeleine did I take a photo of Denny Laine (leader of the Moody Blues) sat on a bench playing on his guitar a few notes from the new song he had just written entitled Boulevard de la Madeleine. This photo can be found somewhere on this site as well as the cover of the vinyl recording.
On the Boulevard de la Madeleine I met also Alan Price, Georgie Fame, Roger Whittaker, The Rolling Stones (Brian Jones was still alive then), Chris Farlowe, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Otis Redding and many more.
Why not share this experience? Why keep it to myself?
So I was persuaded to start this site and I shall try to illustrate each autograph or photo with some relevant information and anecdotes.
If and when you come to Paris or to the Relais Madeleine I shall be very glad to talk about that wonderful time I spent tracking the stars!
I hope you enjoy the browsing!
Paul
Incredible autograph collection - Hotel Relais Madeleine Paris 