This post is also available in: French

The southern area of Lille is transforming. But from one generation to the next, its inhabitants remain attached to the neighbourhood. The ‘barre des Biscottes’ (two eight-story buildings) has disappeared to be replaced by new housings, existing alongside townhouses dating back to the 1930s. The central police station is now trying to restore a sense of calm after long periods of discord.
On that day, the rain caught me by surprise. I sheltered myself under a porch, already occupied by a man and a woman: it was time to walk the dogs.
She said hello, and saw my camera. We exchanged a few words.
I’ve always dreamt of meeting someone to tell our story, you’ve been sent by the Lord…
Usually, when we think of a story, we think of words. But Jacqueline is illiterate, and maybe that’s why it seems normal to her that her life could be told through photographs.
I was welcomed within this couple’s everyday life. They shared a spontaneous language, with natural gestures and singular traditions. A little world, more organized than it seemed, where we can find a dogs’ godmother and Santa’s car…

In that difficult social context, I discovered a soft and bright life, scattered with humor and full of modesty. Everything about Jacqueline and Serge moved me: their honesty, their simplicity, and their way of life… The barriers came down, and the relationship took hold with a lot of humility.
I went to their house on the day we met. Then we met again, and again. Sometimes we ran into a neighbour or other people related to her.
When talking to them, Jacqueline reminded who I was:
She’s a photographer, she’s telling my story!
seats are too expensive.

Laure Vouters