Hello

We are Michael and Donna Fiechtner from

Brisbane in Australia and we have been involved with Vignacourt in Northern France tracing the stories of the Great War through the amazing Thuillier collection of glass photographic plates .

More than a century ago, in the small village of Vignacourt, France, thousands of First World War soldiers walked through the doors of the House of Thuillier.

Through the kindness of Louis and Antoinette Thuillier, these soldiers found a brief moment away from war. Within this house, thousands of portraits were captured preserving the faces, identities, and stories of those who served.

For many families, these photographs became an irreplaceable connection to sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers who never returned home.

The photographs survived.

Now we need to ensure the originsl

Thuillier House survives too.

At a time when the world continues to experience conflict and uncertainty, places like the House of Thuillier are more important than ever. They remind us that behind every uniform is a person, behind every photograph is a family, and behind every name is a story worth preserving.

The journey to protect this historic place has already begun.

Through the generosity of early philanthropic supporters, Phase One will be completed. The restoration and replacement of the windows and doors will secured the building, protected the historic rooms within, and created the foundation for the future.

We now enter Phase Two: Protect & Preserve.

This critical stage will focus on the essential works needed for the long-term protection of the house:

-stabilisation of the historic cellar

-insulation works

-installing water and electrical infrastructure

-structural preservation

-address cost increases due to world events.

Alongside major philanthropic partnerships, a public crowdfunding campaign is inviting people around the world whether they be descendants, families, historians, veterans’ communities, and supporters to join this mission.

This history belongs to more than one family. Protecting it requires a global community.

We are seeking partners who believe some places are too important to lose.

Your support will help ensure the House of Thuillier remains a place of remembrance, connection, and shared history for generations to come.

More than 100 years ago, this house preserved their faces.

Together, we can preserve its future.

Protect. Preserve. Remember.

Warm regards,

Michael & Donna Fiechtner

House of Thuillier Project

Vignacourt, France