While Emmanuel Macron participated in the last site visit to the building before its reopening scheduled for December 7, a little bit of Aveyron was in Paris, through the Vermorel company, engaged in the reconstruction of Notre-Dame .
“It’s very moving…” After a year and a half of hard work, the time was “at the consecration” for the Vermorel company. The Ruthenian company, specializing in the reconstruction of built heritage and work on historic structures, was in the capital this Friday, November 29, to attend the last site visit to Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, scheduled for a week later , December 7.
And according to the story of Quentin Muller, president of SAS Vermorel, the moment was full of emotion. “It’s the apotheosis. Working here has been a source of great pride and now seeing the result is a real accomplishment, it’s also an opportunity to unwind.” Because the Aveyron company is one of the 250 selected to carry out the reconstruction of this building, ravaged by flames in 2019. For half a year, 23 people from Vermorel were mobilized on this site, or a third of the total workforce, whether directly in a sculpture lodge in Paris or in the workshop located opposite the airport, commune of Salles-la-Source.
Among other things, Vermorel was selected alongside two other companies to carry out the restoration of the sculptures on the gables of the north and south arms of the transept of the work, but above all, the complete overhaul of the statue of Saint-Martin. A piece of goldwork weighing 1.5 tonnes and 2.60 meters high, an identical reproduction of the original – too damaged to be preserved – from the Aveyron premises.
“The cathedral is exceptional”
“Seeing our sculptures mounted in the building did something to us. We left the site in May, and coming back for this occasion and seeing the result does something to us”rejoices the leader. During this site visit, the craftsmen were honored by the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, who came to discover the result of this exceptional project. During this weekend, the Vermorel company must receive a “Notre-Dame diploma”, as recognition for the work carried out.
However, are the professionals satisfied with the result? “The cathedral is exceptional, don't hesitate for a second Quentin Muller. I imagine it looks now as it did when it opened in 1345.” The opportunity with such a project to offer a huge spotlight on craftsmanship. “It’s a real recognition, not only is the company in the spotlight but this will also be the case individually for all the people who worked on the building”notes the president of the company.
Time to turn a page, although this exceptional chapter may not yet be over… “After having had this experience, we say why not come back and respond to the next calls for tenders which will concern the apse of the cathedral”, Quentin Muller is already thinking.
