Bourbaki Panorama Foundation Lucerne restores its fabric canopy
Published: Tuesday, Jan 16th 2024, 12:40
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On Tuesday, the Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne Foundation invited visitors to view the current status of the ongoing restoration project. Among other things, the fabric optical apparatus of the panorama painting is being replaced at a cost of 800,000 Swiss francs.
This consists of a canopy, a velum and several sun sails, as Irène Cramm, museum director and member of the management of the Bourbaki Panorama Foundation Lucerne, said at the media tour. It is the optical apparatus that gives the painting its three-dimensional effect.
Industrial climbers will install 1600 square meters of fabric weighing 200 kilograms before the reopening on 16 February. According to Cramm, the fabric is fireproof, light-protecting and very light. This is because the roof of the Bourbaki is also a listed building and must not be subjected to excessive loads.
The old fabric canopy is currently being removed by the climbers and a curtain rail is being fitted for the new velum. "This will make it easier to replace it at a later date," explained Cramm. The function of the velum is to diffuse the light coming in from outside back onto the painting.
The restoration had become necessary due to signs of wear and tear on the optical apparatus. The once white velum had yellowed and a water leak in the roof 20 years ago had left stains on the dark gray canopy.
Investments of 800,000 francs
In addition to the optical apparatus, the viewing platform with its benches, metal railings and picture lighting will also be replaced. The chandelier above the platform will also be replaced with an LED construction.
The investment costs amount to over 800,000 francs. The project is being financed by the client, the Bourbaki Foundation, the Bourbaki Panorama Association and funds from the cantonal monument preservation authorities and the federal government. Fundraising, third-party funding, the public sector and funding foundations are also contributing.
The panorama painting commemorates the internment of 87,000 French soldiers who found refuge in Switzerland in the winter of 1871. It was painted by Edouard Castres in Geneva in 1881.
©Keystone/SDA
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