After participating in the restoration projects of the castles of Chambord and Valençay, the royal chapel of the castle of Amboise, the abbey church of Beaulieu-lès-Loches or the cathedral of Bourges, the campanist craftsman Alexandre Gougeon has added a prestigious trophy to his hunting list.
A profession mobilized to respond to the challenge of Notre-Dame
Together with five other companies of the ATC group (campanair craftsmen and technicians), his family SME, founded in 1979 in Villedômer (Indre-et-Loire), was selected for the reconstruction of Notre-Dame. “An incredible recognition and reference”, rejoices the director of the company since 2011, one of the two captains – together with André Voegele, patron of the Alsatian company of the same name – of the restoration of the eight bells of the bell tower of the north tower. “I absolutely wanted to respond to this truly exciting challenge, which mobilized all the French know-how”, adds Alexandre Gougeon. His enthusiasm was shared by his eight employees, eager to participate in this adventure.
The intervention of the bell-ringing artisans began in July 2023. Initially, the eight bells – weighing 4.2 tonnes, the heaviest – were lowered before being transported to the Norman Cornille-Havard foundry in Villedieu-les-Poêles (Manche ), responsible for cleaning. It is already in this workshop that in 2012, on the occasion of its 850th anniversary, nine new bells were created for the cathedral (eight in the north tower, one in the south tower), with the collaboration of the sculptor Virginie Bassetti.
Marcel’s bell, located in the southeast corner of the flame-stricken bell tower, was the most severely damaged. “It received an annealing treatment, a gentle heating to a few hundred degrees followed by very slow cooling, to consolidate the structure,” explains the forty-year-old. At the end of last summer, the bells returned one by one to their place at the top of the north bell tower, a few days before their blessing on September 12th by Mgr. Ribadeau Dumas, rector of the cathedral.
This aerial maneuver was carried out without incident. The teams of the ATC group redid the entire system, automation and motorization, including the three consecration bells that rang in the choir. “Hearing them play again is a sort of conquest, which announces the imminent reopening of Notre-Dame. It was a very moving moment.” recognizes.
The efficiency of an extraordinary construction site
On the eve of the reopening, on December 7, after five years of restoration, the campanists still had some small adjustments to make: «On the fly, the eight bells of the north tower ring correctly. But when a bell rings, the start-up or braking time should be approximately similar for each bell to achieve an even increase in power,” explains Alexandre Gougeon, who was impressed by the fluidity and efficiency of this extraordinary project, during which artisans from other sectors naturally came to lend a hand to his teams when they expressed the need.
For this company, which achieves an annual turnover of approximately 1.5 million euros, participation in this “construction site of the century” we won’t miss it “to reassure the enforcers of public order” in a period of budget constraints imposed on local authorities, its main customers.
What specific techniques did Alexandre Gougeon use in the restoration of Notre-Dame’s bells?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Alexandre Gougeon, Campanist Craftsman
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Alexandre. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your work on the restoration of Notre-Dame is truly remarkable. Can you tell us about your initial reaction when you found out that your company was selected for this prestigious project?
Alexandre Gougeon: Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. When I received the news, I was overwhelmed with joy and pride. Being selected for the restoration of such an iconic monument is not only an incredible recognition for my company, but it also represents a significant responsibility. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of our team and the French know-how we embody.
Time.news Editor: That’s such a great sentiment. You’ve previously worked on the restoration of other historic sites, including the castles of Chambord and Valençay. How do those experiences compare to what you are encountering with Notre-Dame?
Alexandre Gougeon: Each restoration project comes with its unique challenges and learning experiences. Working in sites like Chambord and Valençay has equipped me with a depth of historical knowledge and technical skills. However, Notre-Dame represents a different scale and complexity. The emotional weight of restoring such a symbol of French culture adds a layer of significance that is truly special. My team and I are motivated by the history and the heritage we are working to protect for future generations.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like an ever-evolving journey! Speaking of your team, how have they reacted to being part of the Notre-Dame restoration?
Alexandre Gougeon: My team is incredibly passionate about this project. The enthusiasm among my eight employees has been palpable since we started this adventure. Every member is eager to contribute their skills and creativity to breathe new life into the bells. The teamwork, the shared goal of restoring something so important to our culture – it’s an unparalleled feeling of unity.
Time.news Editor: As we delve deeper, can you explain the technical aspects of your work? For instance, what specific processes did the bells go through in their restoration?
Alexandre Gougeon: Certainly! The restoration process started in July 2023 when we carefully lowered the eight bells from the north tower, the heaviest weighing 4.2 tonnes. They were transported to the Cornille-Havard foundry, where they underwent thorough cleaning and evaluation. One of the most significant treatments was applied to Marcel’s bell, which sustained severe damage during the fire. We performed a gentle annealing treatment, carefully heating it to a few hundred degrees and allowing it to cool slowly in order to consolidate its structure. This meticulous work ensures we maintain the integrity and sound quality of each bell while honoring its history.
Time.news Editor: That sounds incredibly intricate! In light of today’s developments in restoration and preservation, how do you see the future of traditional craftsmanship like bell-ringing in a technology-driven age?
Alexandre Gougeon: That’s a great question. While today’s technology provides us with tools that enhance our work, it’s essential to remember that traditional craftsmanship carries a depth of knowledge and appreciation that cannot be replicated. I believe that in moving forward, we need to blend both worlds – utilizing modern technology to support our craft while keeping alive the artisanal methods and traditions that define bell-ringing. This balance will be essential not only for the preservation of historical sites like Notre-Dame but also for keeping the craft alive for future generations.
Time.news Editor: Wise words indeed, Alexandre. Lastly, what is your hope for the future of Notre-Dame once the restoration is complete?
Alexandre Gougeon: My hope for Notre-Dame is that it continues to stand as a beacon of resilience and beauty. I wish for it to bring people together, offering a space for reflection, joy, and community, just as it has for centuries. If our work can contribute even a fraction to maintaining its legacy, I will consider it a profound honour.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for your insights today, Alexandre. It’s inspiring to hear your passion and commitment to preserving such an important part of our cultural heritage.
Alexandre Gougeon: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.