Image courtesy of Oxford University's Voltaire Foundation
Luxury goods conglomerate Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is supporting philosophical thinking by joining forces with Britain’s Oxford University to publish the complete works of 18th century philosopher Voltaire.
LVMH’s project with Oxford University will see the publication of the “Complete Works of Voltaire,” an edition that will include unpublished texts. The ambitious undertaking is a tribute to Voltaire's seminal thinking and philosophies, which remain relevant to this day.
Let us cultivate our garden
Voltaire’s Micromégas, Candide and L’Ingénu, among other texts, are at the heart of Western liberal democracy. Although written more than 300 years ago, the writings of Voltaire continue to inform the modern world and its way of thinking.
Over the course of the next three years, LVMH will provide funding for Oxford University’s Voltaire Foundation. The funding will ensure that the foundation can properly research and publish the final volumes of the Enlightenment thinker’s work as a full collection.
The project is expected to be complete by 2019. Upon completion, the project will include more than 200 volumes with expert commentary alongside Voltaire’s texts.
Image courtesy of Oxford University's Voltaire Foundation
“We are very appreciative of this supportive endorsement from such as well-known French company whose high-profile, iconic brands match the world-class cultural aspirations of our ambitious project,” said Nicholas Cronk, director of the Voltaire Foundation at Oxford University, in a statement.
LVMH’s pledge and involvement with this effort further enforce the group’s ongoing commitment to culture.
The French conglomerate established the Frank Gehry-designed Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris for this purpose. The gallery space hosts temporary art exhibits, concerts and other cultural efforts to enrich consumers’ lives beyond the point of sale (see story).