We are pleased to comment on Shena Wilson’s excellent translation of a ‘Catalogue raisonné’ of painter Georges Folmer’s career (1895-1977) which was published in March 2015 – 320p. Publisher: Illustria-Librairie des Musées.

The book contains articles by several qualified museum curators, a Sorbonne emeritus professor, and other art historians. For over a year Shena worked very conscientiously on this highly demanding project. The end result of her efforts is the English-language version of our book. It is available in all of the FNAC bookstores in France, and in London and New-York at Waterhouse & Dodd, and in New York City via st @ luxgatewaycom  Toll-Free + 844-592-9998.

The Folmer Committee wishes to express its absolute satisfaction with her work.

Throughout my career I have had to write various documents in English, even though English is not my first language. Such was the case with the article I asked Shena to correct. I am an historian, and the document entailed a comparative and detailed account of how certain types of crimes were reported, tried and punished in ancient Alexandria and the chora in Egypt.

Shena was able to infuse my English with exactitude and simplicity. The changes she made included comments and questions in the margin that helped me understand certain modifications, and even to identify minor issues in some sections. I was able to apply these, and improve my final draft.

Therefore, I highly recommend her.

English is everywhere. There is little doubt that Anglophones enjoy reading things in ‘Shakespeare’s language’ that are readable, smooth and idiomatic.

Shena Wilson is indeed familiar with the art world, but more importantly she does not settle for approximations: her translated text is truly ready for publication.

We have all read translations in our own languages that are very carelessly done, or perhaps inappropriate for their audience or reader. We sense a lack of coherence or style; we notice strange misinterpretations; or unsuitable vocabulary.

Shena asks pertinent questions, and she engineers her writing so that it is completely rid of unwanted residue.

This is not a simple act of transference from one language to another; it truly is a modern, forward-thinking, “re-write”. The words really mean something to the reader, so they feel compelled to read the entire piece! This is essential.

I contacted Shena to have an article about Austrian literature re-read, or ‘copy edited’. It was written in English and the document had already been corrected once, so it was essentially a matter of ensuring that the words flowed well and it sounded more natural. I immediately saw a difference between the first copy edit, which had been done by a non-native speaker.

Shena’s comments were precious and precise: and the selection committee readily accepted my article for the magazine. Shena was even kind enough to call me to talk over specific sections and consider various versions with me. Working as would a fine jewellery maker, she even had all of it ready within the required timeframe!

I contacted Shena to get my future website translated into English.

As an anglophone myself, I feel I am in a good position to evaluate the quality of Shena’s work. I find that one of her greatest assets is her ability to ensure that the finished translation does not remain “contaminated” by the French (this is not something I manage to do, which is why I called upon her skills).

What Shena wrote ‘sounds’ just right.  Also, before she started the job, she asked me about my context and audience, which helped her find the most appropriate expressions for the reader.