Abstract
From Versailles to Cluny: Interventions illustrating restoration in France
In the second half of the 20th century, the theory of heritage restoration has been an open debate, first at a European level, then worldwide. On the ground, however, practice has generally remained National, due to the organisation of operational services, which are often marked by older traditions. In France the Historic Monuments Service was set up 1830 to save a rich heritage menaced in the great upheavals of this period. The types of intervention in France are numerous and the approaches vary, from conservation and reconversion to restitution and contemporary insertion. Across the examples taken from his personal experience, in Versailles and Burgundy, Frédéric Didier will try to outline the different approaches to restoration in France.
About Frédéric Didier: Résumé
State-appointed architect for historic monuments, Frédéric Didier is one of the 4 cofounders of the practice 2BDM. He has a perfect understanding of Burgundy's heritage holding the State appointment for the départments of Cote d'Or, between 1987 and 1992, and of the Saône-et-Loire from 1990. He has lead over 200 restoration projects in this region.
Since 1990, he has had the appointment for one of the wonders of France's Heritage, the Palace of Versailles. He was also put in charge of the city of Versailles in 2000. Frédéric Didier is as such a recognised specialist in all aspects of Versailles' Heritage. Large-scale restoration projects have been realised under his care at the Palace, greatly renewing the image of this prestigious heritage.
Lecturer at the, specialist in plasters and decoration, he has taught these subjects to France's Heritage Architects for over 15 years.