The intensity of Fry's work began to take its toll. When several of his colleagues decided to rent the Villa Air Bel on the outskirts of Marseilles, Fry seized the opportunity to move in. Many Surrealist artists and their families who were waiting to receive visas formed the group of residents. There they created a number of significant artistic and literary works, including Andre Breton's Fata Morgana, illustrated by Wifredo Lam.
			Andre Breton Writing Fata Morgana at the Villa Air Bel Library, Winter 1940-41 Collection Varian Fry Papers, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Photograph credit: Varian Fry Photo Courtesy Varian Fry Papers, Rare Books and Manuscript Library, Columbia University/Friends of Le Chambon