Marseille’s Good Mother Receives Re-Gilded Crown After Extensive Restoration
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A breathtaking aerial operation culminated Friday morning with the return of the newly re-gilded crown to the iconic statue of the Good Mother, a beloved symbol of Marseille, marking the completion of a major restoration project.
The restoration of the statue,officially known as Notre-Dame de la Garde,has been a significant undertaking for the city and the diocese of Marseille. The project aimed to revitalize the basilica and its centerpiece, protecting it from the damaging effects of the region’s harsh climate and industrial pollution.
A Historic Coronation
“This is the coronation of the Virgin mary, but also the crowning of the construction site,” remarked Father Olivier Spinosa, rector of Notre-Dame de la Garde, to AFP. The 150-kilogram crown, measuring 1.50 meters in diameter, was carefully transported by helicopter on August 13 – the first time it had been removed from the basilica as 1870. It was secured in a wooden box and meticulously hoisted back into place on Friday.
Before being permanently affixed, a led seal was applied to guarantee the crown’s watertightness, a crucial step in preserving the delicate gilding. AFP journalists on the scene reported the delicate installation of the headdress atop the monumental Virgin and Child statue,the highest point in France’s second-largest city.
Years of Dedicated Craftsmanship
The restoration process began with a detailed assessment of the crown’s condition, followed by meticulous work entrusted to a skilled boilermaker from Aix.The crown then underwent re-gilding by artisans from the Ateliers Gohard,breathing new life into the historic landmark.
“Today, these are the last gestures of the companions who are at the top of the bell tower to put their final touches on the crown of the Virgin and the project will be finished,” explained xavier David, the project manager. The final stages of the restoration coincided with the completion of the gilding itself, which involved the application of nearly 40,000 gold leaves to the statue of the Virgin and Child, protector of the city.
Protecting a Symbol from the Elements
The decision to restore the statue’s shine was driven by the need to combat the damaging effects of the mistral winds, sea air, and industrial pollution that had dulled its luster over time. The diocese of Marseille, owner of the building, launched a public donation campaign to fund the aspiring project, allowing individuals to sponsor individual gold leaves.
Why: The Notre-Dame de la garde basilica underwent a major restoration project to revitalize the statue and protect it from environmental damage.
Who: The project was led by the diocese of Marseille, with work carried out by a boilermaker from Aix and artisans from Ateliers Gohard. Father Olivier Spinosa, rector of Notre-Dame de la Garde, and Xavier David, the project manager, were key figures.
What: The restoration involved the removal and re-gilding of the 150-kilogram crown of the iconic statue of the Good Mother, using approximately 40,000 gold leaves.
How: The crown was transported by helicopter, secured with a watertight seal, and meticulously re-gilded. A public donation campaign
