Bohuslav Reynek – Key dates

1892
31 May. Born in Petrkov, Bohemia.

1912
Finishes studies in Iglau (Jihlava). Writes and publishes poems.
His poetry never ceases to be published in Czechoslovakia during his lifetime.

1913
First trip to France (Brittany).

1914
Meets Moravian publisher Josef Florian.
Discovers Charles Péguy’s work. Translates Trakl.

1915-1922
Many translations of French authors: Charles Péguy, Claudel, Milosz, Francis Jammes, Tristan Corbière. Second trip to France.

1921-1927
Publishes Cahiers de poésie in Petrkov.

1923
Meets poet Suzanne Renaud.

1926
Translation of Ta vie est là… [Your Life is There]
13 March. Marries Suzanne Renaud in Grenoble.

1926-1936
Winter in Grenoble – Summer in Petrkov.
Translates works by La Fontaine, Paul Valéry, Verlaine, Max Jacob, Bernanos, Giono.

1927-1935
Charcoals and pastels: landscapes of Dauphiné, Provence and Bohemia.

1929
First solo shows at Galerie Saint-Louis in Grenoble and Pardubice in Bohemia.

1933-1934
Discovers his favorite technique, printmaking. First drypoints.

1939-1948
Many collections of poems published in Czechoslovakia.
Translates Suzanne Renaud’s latest two collections of poems.

1944
The Protectorate of Bohemia-Moravia drives the Reyneks off their estate.
The Reynek family accept the Florians’ hospitality.

Around 1950
Begins the major engraved work: Pastorale, Snow, Job, scenes from the Old and New Testament, Scenes of the Passion, Landscapes of Bohemia, Don Quixote.
His monotype and color technique is very personal.
Because of the political regime, no exhibitions are held in Czechoslovakia between 1929 and 1964.

1950-1952
New exhibitions at Galerie Saint-Louis in Grenoble, organized by friends in Dauphiné.

1960
Show at the Jean Damien bookshop in Grenoble.

1965-1969
Many exhibitions in Czechoslovakia (the Prague Spring).
Soviet troops invade Czechoslovakia (21 August 1968).
Reynek’s art is hidden until the Velvet Revolution (1989).

1967
Show at the Agostiniana Gallery in Rome.

1971
28 September. Dies in Petrkov.

1972
Retrospective at Prague’s City Hall. The poet’s last collection, Odlet vlaštovek [The Swallows’ Departure], forbidden, is published as a samizdat.