Staging the renovation of the rose window of Soissons cathedral
In Aisne, the large rose window of Soissons Cathedral is undergoing restoration following the storm that hit the city in 2017. To highlight this project, the Regional Conservation of Historic Monuments decided to cover the scaffolding surrounding the rose window with a trompe-l’œil. Celize was commissioned to create and implement this large-scale display.
Highlighting the restoration project
The January 2017 storm damaged the rose window. Part of its stone network and stained glass fell due to strong winds. Throughout 2020, the Architecture and Heritage Service offered a rich program to experience this unique restoration project up close.
Staging the rose in restoration
The large-format communication, particularly the printed banner on the scaffolding, provides strong visibility. The Regional Conservation of Historic Monuments seized this opportunity to communicate creatively about the restoration project and use it as an educational tool.
This initiative comes from the DRAC Hauts-de-France, the project’s contracting authority, assisted by the Olivier Weets agency, chief architect of historic monuments and project manager for the restoration work.
Creating the trompe-l'œil
To inform passersby about the restoration process of the rose window, Celize designed a faithful reproduction of the former rose, highlighting the masterpiece without forgetting the work of those who will be laboring on the scaffolding for months.
For the trompe-l’œil of the rose window, the graphic design is realistic and faithful to the architecture. All complex architectural details are graphically treated: cornice, ribbed arches, and the rays of the rose. For the stained glass part, it is an original creation with texture and light worked to enhance the surrounding stone.
Showcasing Expertise
This trompe-l’œil rose illustrates the restoration process of the masterpiece. To show the stages, the rose is divided into two main parts. On one part of the rays, the stone network is highlighted by revealing the interior of the Cathedral. On the second part, the emphasis is placed on the intensity of the stained glass colors and their uniqueness.
Restoration is only possible thanks to the expertise of various trades: architect, master glassmaker, metalworker, sculptor, stone cutter… These men and women are depicted at work in trompe-l’œil on the life-size reproduction of the rose.
This representation aims to inform the public about the different actors involved in the restoration of the rose window.
Bringing the project to life
This staging of the rose during its restoration is one of the construction site communication initiatives implemented by the Regional Conservation of Historic Monuments of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs of Hauts-de-France (DRAC) to engage and bring this restoration project to life for the public.
Report France 3 Hauts-de-France: The rose window of Soissons Cathedral, in the process of reconstitution, shown to the public.
