1892
René Ferdinand Crevel is born in Rouen on February 23, the son of Maurice Crevel, a salesman, and Lucie Boquet, housewife.
1895
The family move to Fécamp, and settle at 84 rue Théagène-Boufart, not far from the Port and close to the 19th century Benedictine Palace, home of the celebrated liqueur.
1897
Death of his mother. René is living with his father, a wine and spirits representative, and his maternal grandmother.
1899
Primary school, the Port School, certificate of studies in 1903.
1904
Elementary school, the École de l'Hôtel de Ville.
The 2nd floor of the Hôtel de Ville houses the rich collections of the Musée de Fécamp: the young René Crevel discovers painting.
Formative Years 1906-1912
Architecture:
as an apprentice architect, René Crevel trains at several important firms, including that of Émile Mauge, who was the City Architect of Fécamp from 1907 to 1937.
Drawing and painting: self-taught, he begins to draw and paint. He soon joins a group of young artists and became friends with Émile Caniel, Marcel Simonin and Henry-Émile Burel.
1910
Wins first prize in the drawing competition organized by the Violetti family (Normandy Artistic Society) for the Aviation Week in Rouen (June 19-26). His drawing is selected to illustrate the cover of the Official Programme.
1911
On the occasion of the Fêtes du Millénaire Normand in Fécamp, with other young local artists, he sets up an ad-hoc museum: “The Cabin of the Confused".
Participates in an exhibition of painters from Fécamp at the Town Museum.
Produces several illustrations for advertising pamphlets for the Société Bénédictine.
Illustrates the cover of the programme for ‘Non... ! Mais chez qui??!’…, a theatrical revue performed at the Fécamp Casino in December.
1912
Designs a large advertising poster for Fécamp, its Casino and famous seaweed baths.