I watched a programme the other week about how the renovations at Notre Dame are going. It was fascinating. They were using every available means from 3D photographs to denrdrochronology to gather information on how to go about their task -- multidisciplinary teams all working together, scientists, artists, masons and carpenters using modern technologies to solve retro-architectural problems. The entire site is contaminated because of the leading of the roof. Protective gear has to be worn for all tasks. I hope they do an update soon because I love that stuff!!
Well Simon and Reggie here, don't have quite that scale of problem but hey-- they're doing their best anyway! Give them some appreciation.
Reformation
“Are there any photographs of the window?”
“Not that I know of. We can put an appeal out in the local media but this place wasn’t used for years.”
“Architectural specs?”
“Pardon?”
“Blue prints.”
“We could look in the local library.”
“That burnt down years ago. All the records were destroyed.”
“Microfiche?”
“Don’t know where that’d be. The Little Lessing Herald clo...”
“closed years ago, I get the picture.”
“Actually I don’t think anyone has the picture any more.”
“Mmmm this isn’t really a matter of conservation then,” said Reggie.
“No, more renovation.”
“Reclamation?”
“Re-formation.”
“Okay so we’ll wing it. It’ll be like doing a jigsaw puzzle without the box. Fun.”
Simon and Reggie had never taken on such a task before. Mostly they had to replace a few pieces of stained glass, take a window down and clean it, repair some of the lead framework but this was a mess. How to proceed?
“So – you collect all the straight bits and arched pieces that look like the window shape and I’ll gather all the rest and we’ll do our best to make some kind of framework that would fit the original window size.”
“Seems a fair enough place to begin.”
“At least we’re singing from the same hymn sheet,” said Simon.
It took months but Simon and Reggie were quite pleased with the result. Some of the pieces of glass that hadn’t been too burned even fitted into the leads. Admittedly the fire had twisted some of the framework but it made sense and slowly began to take shape. The central figure in white looked – familiar. The bottom right corner however was completely missing. It was also within their remit to customise glass for that missing corner but first they had to know what the missing piece might be.
They soldered in a strip of lead to hold it all together so they could fit it into place in the apse to properly assess how far they’d come with the work. They stood back to admire their work.
“Is that what it’s supposed to look like?” asked Reggie
“Search me,” Simon said.
As light flooded in, the central figure shone at last in all his glory out of the renovated window and it became clear what was missing from the piece. The main figure was obviously looking down towards someone he loved, perhaps a beloved friend. Reggie and Simon looked at each other and as one voice they said what the other was thinking.
“Woodstock!” they chimed. And Reggie swears to this day that at this point, he looked up and saw Snoopy smile.
