Paul was forced to find work, and eventually secured a job at a metal-engraving factory; the brothers became very close with their mother during this time, nicknaming her "La Louque", which Maurice would later name his Marnes-la-Coquette estate after. Determined to be an acrobat, Maurice left school aged ten but was convinced to abandon this after a severe injury. He tried a number of other jobs: a carpenter's apprentice, an electrician, a printer, and even as a doll painter. Chevalier was eventually able to hold down a job at a mattress factory, and became interested in performing; while daydreaming his finger was crushed in a machine and he was forced to stop working.
Paul was forced to find work and eventually secured a job at a metal-engraving factory; the brothers became very close with their mother during this time nicknaming her "La Louque" which Maurice would later name his Marnes-la-Coquette estate after Determined to be an acrobat Maurice left school aged ten but was convinced to abandon this after a severe injury He tried a number of other jobs a carpenter's apprentice an electrician a printer and even as a doll painter Chevalier was eventually able to hold down a job at a mattress factory and became interested in performing; while daydreaming his finger was crushed in a machine and he was forced to stop working