Timeline

1908

René Giton born 29th May, 1908 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

1917

Returns to France and studies at the College de Royan

1924

Moves to Paris. Studies at the Lycee Buffon

1925

First photographs taken with his father’s Stéréo-Spido Gaumont

1928

Publication of a poem in the journal La Pagaille, and in the journal Poésie under the name René Donain

1930

Having completed military service and law studies, he decides to become a photographer

1931

His first photograph is published in the magazine Plans directed by Philippe Lamour

1932

Adopts the name René-Jacques. He diversifies undertaking portraits, reportage and photographing on film sets. Meets André Vigneau.

1939

Photographs on the sets of the films Jeunes Filles en détresse by Pabst and Remorques by Jean Grémillon staring Jean Gabin and Michèle Morgan. Meets Marcel Carne and Eisenstein

1940

Called up to active duty in August, 1939 and takes part in the Battle of Ardennes and the Battle of the Somme before being sent southern France and then to Paris

1941

Becomes a member of the group Rectangle

1946

Becomes a member of the Groupe des XV.

1951

The beginning of a 20 year collaboration with Aux Trois Quartiers. Reportage for Renault. Work appears in L’Automobile de France, Harper’s Bazaar and Fortune.

1962

Silver medal awarded by the town of Bordeaux.

1982

Donates part of his work on Paris to the Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris.

1990

Donates his archive to the state. Becomes a chevalier de le Légion d’honneur.