Restoring the two great north and south medieval rose windows
CURRENT CONDITION
Three large rose windows adorn the cathedral’s west, north and south facades. They have not undergone comprehensive restoration since the mid-nineteenth century. Their stained-glass panels are partly medieval, dating from the thirteenth century. Decades of exposure to the elements and pollution have taken their toll. They have structural fragilities and are damaged in places.
RESTORATION NEEDED
The stained-glass panels must first be dismantled one by one, in order to be restored in the workshop. During this time, their stone tracery framework will be restored in situ. Once reinstalled, these stained-glass panels will be fitted with secondary glazing to protect them from the elements for years to come.
In both the north and south rose windows, the stained-glass panels are set directly into stone tracery that is approximately four inches (10 cm) thick. Today, this stonework has deteriorated significantly on its exterior face, weakening the structure as a whole. The stained glass itself also shows visible signs of deterioration: some pieces are broken, while others have warped over time. Lastly, even the colors have changed. In particular, the blue tones have become more pronounced as deterioration and repeated temperature fluctuations have increased the color contrast. These conditions make a dual intervention essential, involving both the conservation and the restoration of the stained glass and the consolidation of the stone tracery.
The total cost of the operations amounts to €13.5 million (current euros).
• Intervention on the north rose window: €6.1 million
• Intervention on the south rose window: €7.4 million
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