Guido Gezelle not only wrote poetry but also thousands of letters, which are now preserved and studied in the Gezelle archive of the Public Library of Bruges. Among his correspondents were no fewer than two hundred women, who often remained in the shadows of history. The project 'Paper Ladies' changes that. Through the stories of these women, you will come to know Guido Gezelle as an empathetic man with a surprisingly modern view of his female contemporaries from various layers of society. They wrote not only from Flanders but also from France, Germany, Ireland, and England. The women contributed to Gezelle's literary work or sought advice on personal matters. Their letters form an unexplored cultural heritage, with  distinct style and themes. Often candid, these personal documents provide a cross-section of 19th-century society. They offer a human perspective on the poet and his work.

This tour takes you to the places where Guido Gezelle's female correspondents lived, worked, and wrote letters. Along the way, you will discover the stories of Gezelle's female patrons, such as Savina van Caloen, but also the scandalous 'Lady Smith' and the gossiping maid.