Stones damaged and blackened by soot, plants that grow here and there between the joints: the north facade of the Sainte-Catherine church has not attracted photographers for a long time. But this will soon change. Beliris, the contractor Artes Woudenberg and the author of the SUM project begin the restoration of the facade overlooking the quays. This restoration requires the expertise and know-how of craftsmen: stonemasons, carpenters, ironworkers and master glassmakers.
The side facade will be completely cleaned using low pressure techniques. Where necessary, repairs will be made and severely damaged components will be replaced. Thus, several crosses and missing gargoyles will be rebuilt.
The stained glass windows will leave the church for a while to be repaired by specialized glaziers. Thanks to real craftsmanship, the stained-glass windows will be completely dismantled in order to thoroughly clean all the elements. The broken parts will be replaced and the lead profiles will be repaired before the assembly is reassembled.
The wooden doors of the side portal will be restored. After thorough cleaning, damaged items will be repaired and missing items replaced. For the finish, the whole will be varnished. Locks and fittings will also be repaired or replaced. Finally, the missing bronze decorative elements will be fixed.
Also in workshops, the original wrought iron fences will be cleaned. Rust will be removed and damaged items will be repaired. Part of the fence has formerly been replaced by cast iron grates. These will be replaced by reproductions of the old model. The assembly will then receive an anti-rust treatment and a new coat of paint.
The fence will be placed closer to the church, between the buttresses, as was originally the case. This will create a wider sidewalk for pedestrians. After putting it back in place, small gardens will be set up.
In total, the works cost 3 million euros. The restoration is expected to be completed in 2023. Beliris also restored the west facade of Saint Catherine’s Church in 2013.
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