She struggles to understand the reasons that motivated this action. Stéphanie de Laffon, owner of the Château de Gizeux, discovered, with amazement, that an act of vandalism had taken place during one of the free visits at the end of October.
Cordoba leather – the name given to the technique used to make wall hangings or cover seats, furniture or screens with leather with a golden appearance, covered in colors and with an embossed appearance – has, in fact, been torn. A piece has even disappeared.
The Cordoba leather will be restored. But if the missing end does not return, it will never return to its initial state.
© Photo NR, Oriane Cuenoud
“We are appealing for it to be returned or put in the mailbox”
This handcrafted work was originally located in front of the altar of the chapel. It was moved to be restored by Grenoble specialists. Then she returned, at the beginning of October, and placed in one of the rooms of the castle, while the work is underway in the religious building.
“The piece of leather (which was torn off) has no financial value,” guarantees Stéphanie de Laffon. On the other hand, its heritage value is inestimable. “It’s an object that has become extremely rare. There must be two or three of leather altar fronts in the Centre-Val de Loire region. »
Leather altar fronts are rare in the Centre-Val de Loire region.
© Photo NR, Oriane Cuenoud
In total, €15,000 of restoration work
That of the Château de Gizeux dates from the 17the century. There we see very refined representations of birds, flowers and ornaments. A long work of goldsmith was necessary to restore the colors and the seams. Cost of the service: €15,000. Financed by the owners, patronage and a grant from Historical Monuments.
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Stéphanie de Laffon filed a complaint for vandalism and theft. But what matters most to her is finding the missing piece of Cordoba leather. Without it, it is impossible to restore the work to its initial state. “We are appealing for it to be returned or put in the mailbox. » In which case, the complaint will be withdrawn.
A damaged trust
This act calls into question the trust placed in visitors. The owners have voluntarily chosen to let the public wander through the rooms of the castle as they wish, without being restricted by security cordons. “We say to ourselves that we were a little naive”sighs Stéphanie de Laffon who is now considering installing a video surveillance system.
Roofing, framework and stone cutting work is underway at the chapel of the Château de Gizeux.
© Photo NR, Oriane Cuenoud
In the meantime, work continues at the castle. The frame and roof of the chapel will have finished being repaired by January to February 2025. A project estimated at €200,000 which benefits from aid from the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (Drac) and patronage. “In 2026, we will restore the interior paintings which have been consolidated but not restored”also announces Stéphanie de Laffon. Visits will resume from April 2026 until All Saints' Day.
