Bayeux Cathedral

Dedicated on July 14, 1077 in the presence of William the Conqueror, Notre-Dame de Bayeux Cathedral is a major milestone in Norman medieval architecture. It was notably designed to house the famous Bayeux Embroidery, a narrative masterpiece from the 11th century listed in UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” register.

The current building testifies to a remarkable superposition of styles. From the great Romanesque countryside, the crypt and the towers of the western facade remain. In the 12th century, the reconstruction of the nave introduced the large arched arcades with very rich sculpted decoration. Finally, the 13th century marked the advent of the Gothic style, giving the monument its monumentality and light. The central lantern tower, raised on the crossing of the transept, only found its definitive crowning glory in the middle of the 19th century after significant structural changes.

The royal framework for the conservation of the monument

As a state property classified as a historic monument, the cathedral falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture. Its protection and sustainability are ensured by inter-service action coordinated at the decentralized level by the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) of Normandy.

The conduct of scientific and technical operations obeys a strict regulatory framework:

Regional Conservation of Historic Monuments (CRMH) manages scientific and technical control as well as the overall programming of interventions.

The Chief Architect of Historic Monuments (ACMH)project manager, designs restoration and stripping projects for old structures.

The Architect of Buildings of France (ABF) ensures, in his capacity as curator of the building, constant health surveillance and routine maintenance of the monument.

Public order for stained glass windows: The transept in the 21st century

The opportunity of a campaign to restore the masonry and the bays of the transept opened the way to an enrichment of the movable heritage of the cathedral. Faithful to the tradition of past centuries which have seen each era leave its mark on the monument, the Ministry of Culture has initiated a public order for contemporary stained glass windows for the eight bays of this transept.

 

Procédure et Collégialité

The instruction of this artistic commission involved, under the aegis of the DRAC, the advisor for the visual arts and heritage services. The definition of the scientific and aesthetic program was carried out in conjunction with a committee of experts (historians, inspectors of artistic creation), representatives of the commune of Bayeux and the assigned clergy, guarantor of the liturgical conformity of the works.

Following a European call for tenders, the creation was entrusted to the artist Véronique Joumard. His project is distinguished by in-depth conceptual reflection on natural light and transparency. While remaining part of the continuity of the know-how of the master glassmakers, the artist offers an innovative use of contemporary components, allowing the transept to dialogue with the chromatic variations of its architectural environment.