Sauvons l'église Saint François d'Assise !

R.H.

/ #117 international support

2011-07-02 12:12

It is certainly a very fine modernist building and the architectural form, materials, detailing, stained glass and murals all combine extremely well.
I am wondering if it is "Listed as being of Historic Interest" particularly given its connexions with the Prouvé family and their impact on the local area ?
The issue seems to be, not the imminent loss/demolition of the building, but its sale by the Church for commercial use. Following the sale, it is understood that unless the building has legal protection in its own right, the original designs could progressively be inappropriately and insensitively altered until the intrinsic value of the design is "lost". Demolition then follows on grounds of commercialism... or the purchasers might simply demolish and build something else.
The issues raised by the video concerning the community and social "memory" are all equally important in building a sense of belonging and "history".
With the decline of the church in the UK, there have been many incidents of this kind as the financial sustainability of these buildings is questioned by the Church "Owners" and on occasions, the building "users" have to take action.
This is a well known story and I am delighted that my French cousins are in the forefront of the fight to save this building. I will play my part in the UK.