Jean-Yves Veillard (19 February 1939 – 25 March 2020) was a French historian known for his work on the history of his native city, Rennes, and for his long tenure as a museum curator. He was born in Rennes, France, and as a young man participated in the Bleimor Scouts, a youth movement with roots in Brittany.
Academic and political activity
Veillard completed an academic thesis examining the social and urban transformations of Rennes during the nineteenth century. In 1964 he helped found the Breton Democratic Union, a regional political party that promoted Breton cultural and political interests.
Museum career
From 1967 until 2000, Veillard served as curator of the Musée de Bretagne in Rennes. During his decades at the museum he organized exhibitions and worked to develop collections related to Breton history and culture, including a notable exhibition on the Seiz Breur group of artists and designers.
Death
Jean-Yves Veillard died on 25 March 2020 at the age of 81.