ATELIERS SAINT-JACQUES & FONDERIE DE COUBERTIN - Wood, Metal and Stone WORKSHOPS

USPA NEWS - All located within the Domaine de Coubertin for nearly Seventy Years, Scroll Down "Ateliers Saint-Jacques & Fonderie de Coubertin" Workshops have developed a Unique Know-How in their Respective Fields. First of all in the Construction Industry, with Three Wood, Metal and Stone Workshops, True References in the Restoration of Heritage and Contemporary Architecture, but also in the World of Art through the Fonderie de Coubertin, gathering a Bronze Workshop and an Embossed Metal Workshop.

All located within the Domaine de Coubertin for nearly Seventy Years, Scroll Down "Ateliers Saint-Jacques & Fonderie de Coubertin" Workshops have developed a Unique Know-How in their Respective Fields. First of all in the Construction Industry, with Three Wood, Metal and Stone Workshops, True References in the Restoration of Heritage and Contemporary Architecture, but also in the World of Art through the Fonderie de Coubertin, gathering a Bronze Workshop and an Embossed Metal Workshop.

Located in the Domain of Coubertin, within a Few Miles from the Palace of Versailles, the "Ateliers Saint Jacques" and the "Fonderie de Coubertin" dedicate their almost 100 Acres to Architectural Works, Layout, Decoration, Design or Creation.

Working in Constant Collaboration, these Four Modern Structures and the 150 Professionals (both Men and Women) who work there, create and set up Exceptional Structures all over the World in a Spirit of Transmission and Excellence.

In the Workshops, Innovative Machines combine with Manual Intelligence to create, in a Responsible and Environmentally Sustainable Manner, the most Beautiful Pieces of French Craftsmanship.

Based on Know-How and Workshops, the Professionals in the Design Offices offer all the Customers a Support tailored to their Needs. Mastering Fine Art Drawing, Technical Drawing or 3D Modelling and Printing, the Business Managers and Designers are above all Sensitive and Attentive Professionals.

Constantly on the Lookout, mastering all Aspects of the Disciplines, they respond differently to Each Problem, proposing a Relevant Solution adapted to Each of them, by reflecting on All Projects, from the Design Stage to the Final Stage of On-Site Implementation.

In addition, they are able to manage the Professional Interactions inherent to All Work Sites and are able to, depending on the Types of Request, to support Architects and Designers with their Technical Tasks. Finally, this Passionate Team is constantly developing New Techniques and New Approaches, devoting a Significant Part of its Activity to Innovation and Research.

On July 10, 2023, Presentation of the Work of the Coubertin Foundry Teams who are Currently Restoring and Gilding the Thirteen Lead Sculptures in the Apollo Basin in their Workshops.

A Masterpiece of the Gardens of Versailles, this Fountain wanted by Louis XIV represents the God of the Sun on his Chariot harnessed to Four Horses, launched in a Mad Race symbolizing the Sunrise of the Day Star.

The Restoration of the Char d'Apollon, carried out thanks to the Patronage of the CMA CGM Group, began last December with the Removal and Delivery of the Sculpted Group to the Coubertin Foundry.

This 18-month Project mobilizes many Skills (Art Foundry, Metallurgy, Gilding, Fountains and even Masonry - Cut Stone) and will allow the Rebirth of this Emblematic Fountain of the Versailles of Louis XIV.

The Damage to Apollo’s Chariot now needs to be repaired in order to Permanently Address the Issues affecting the Lead Structure, which dates from the Late 17th Century. The Remaining Outer Layers need to be preserved, while those Parts of the Stone Base that have deteriorated also need to be fixed. The Lead Sculptures need to be restored and their Deformations. corrected.

The last Major Restoration Campaign on the Fountain, which saw the Set of Sculptures disassembled and restored in a Workshop, took place just over a Hundred Years ago between 1923 and 1927. Remedial Work has been undertaken as and when needed, not least on the Horses’ Heads which were buckling, in 1955 and again in 1981.

Despite Regular Maintenance, this Set of Sculptures, on which the Water Feature Aspect takes its toll, is now in Serious Disarray. Structural warping linked to Corrosion of the Internal Plumbing, Significant Deterioration of the Lead and Severe Erosion of the Surface Coating can be seen. Its condition warrants Urgent Remedial Work.

This New Campaig began in December 2022 with the Complete Disassembly of the Set of Sculptures for transfer to a Workshop, where the 13 Lead Sculptures will be Fully Restored and Re-Gilded.

Source: Les Ateliers Saint-Jacques & la Fonderie de Coubertin
July 10, 2023
With Presence of:
* Catherine PEGARD - President of the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles
* Jacques MOULIN - Head Architect of Historical Monuments, 2BDM Agency
* Philippe PAGNON - Head of Restoration at the Coubertin Foundry

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