STAINED-GLASS WINDOW RESTORATION: they are back in the Chapel !

Around 160 years ago, when the stained-glass windows were created, the famous Master Laurent-Charles Maréchal (1801-1887) and his workshop worked wonders. Among other examples: the stained-glass windows in the chapel are double-layered. Trivial? On the contrary! This superimposition of glass creates nuances in the colours, allowing for striking depth and relief. The level of detail and finesse of the paintings is a pure masterpiece, made possible by a combination of techniques that was unique for the time : engraving, painting on glass, enamel, various shades of grisaille... all in a single stained glass window. The two stained-glass windows in the centre of the chapel revealed another surprising secret: they are entirely framed, which is quite unusual as stained glass windows are usually embedded in stone. This is the case, for example, with the stained-glass windows in the naves. The restoration of the other stained-glass windows is continuing in accordance with the techniques of the period, such as lead lining around the mullions, or broken glass carefully remoulded for reuse. These stained-glass windows are three metres high and are assembled like jigsaw puzzles when they are put back in place, with some weighing over sixty kilos! You will be able to admire them during Heritage Days in September, when they will be returned to their stone setting, which will reopen for the occasion.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank everyone involved in the restoration of the chapel : Maître d’oeuvre Atelier Grégoire André, les entreprises AteliersJeanSalmon, ChanzyPardoux, Hugon, Instrumesure, Orpimento, Protectéchafaudages. We would like to thank for thein financial support : la DRAC Grand Est (Ministère de la Culture), la Région Grand Est, le Département, la Fondation du Patrimoine dans le cadre de la Mission Bern et de l’organisation des jeux Mission Patrimoine de la FDJ.