The devastation by fire of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in 2019 shocked the world. Now, five years later, it is due to reopen. The cathedral is being rebuilt to its ‘last-known state’, using period-appropriate tools, methods and materials. However, in its day, Notre Dame was revolutionary and was the first grand masterpiece of a new French architecture. Similarly modern revolutionary techniques, including 3-D modelling software, have been used today to support its reconstruction.
Traditional craft skills and modern technologies are likewise preserved and developed in the city of York, which is also home to one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. York Minster has also experienced several fires during its lifetime, most recently in 1984, and is now in the process of establishing a new Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills to encourage global learning and knowledge sharing in this area.
Join our international panel of experts as they reflect upon the importance of conserving traditional crafts alongside the utilisation of modern technologies to preserve our history. Speakers include Livio De Luca, coordinator of the digital data working group of the CNRS/Ministry of Culture scientific site for the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris; Mike Dennis, an expert in carpentry who has worked on the nave of Notre Dame de Paris; Claudine Loisel, a stained glass conservation specialist; and Alexander McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster.
This event is part of the Festival Focus ‘Driving Innovation’ presented in collaboration with the French Embassy in the UK.