In the heart of Toulouse, this emblematic and secular building will regain its former glory
By Thibaut Calatayud
Published on
It is an emblematic school. Located in the heart of Toulousethe Pierre de Fermat College is experiencing a new youth. 2019, the Department of Haute-Garonne, owner of this site which includes parts of the former Jesuit college and the Hôtel de Bernuy, is leading and financing a vast restoration project.
A project worth more than 3 million euros
This project, revealing to 3.2 million euros including 300,000 supported by the DRAC, takes place in three phases. The first ended with the restoration of the establishment’s two portals, rue Lakanal and rue Gambetta.
In rue Lakanal, the imposing portal had been repaired in 1605 by the architect Pierre Souffron and the sculptor Antoine Bachelier. Darkened by wear and pollution, it was, for 30 years, covered with a green net to preserve, as much as possible, the sculpture but also and above all to prevent a stone from falling on a passer-by. Today, no more worries, everything is renovated.
Note that to succeed in reproducing the details of the portal identically, the craftsmen relied on photographic archives dating from the 1920s.
For the anecdote, know that Louis XIV, in his time, crossed this portal with his court. The Sun King had attended a show given by the students of the establishment.
A second phase until December
Ditto on the other side, rue Gambetta. The portal and its sculptures have been restored to their former glory. On the other hand, the facade is used and needs a facelift. For this operation which corresponds to the second phase of the projectscaffolding will soon be installed.
The entrance courtyard and the courtyard will also be restored by the agency Arc&Sites Architects Heritage Creation. In order to give the entrance courtyard, the doors will remain open and an openwork grid will be installed. This grille will be of Renaissance inspiration. “It fits and extends into this remarkable building”, promises the architect Rémi Desalbres.
These operations will last between April and December 2022. A third and final phase will follow which will focus on the joinery, the Ozenne room and the XVIII extension.and of the Rue Gambetta facade.
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