Scientific research on stained-glass windows for Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral

Abstract

During the fire at Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral on April 15 th, 2019, the historic stained-glass windows were entirely protected by the action of firefighters and the resistance of the vault, which fulfilled its role as a shield. In this context, a group of art historians, stained glass experts, conservation scientists and university researchers was created to coordinate scientific research concerning the stained-glass windows of the cathedral. This “Glass” working group (GT Verre) defined the following priority research themes: the characterisation of surface deposits on stained glass, understanding the interaction of the former with materials and how to optimise conservation-restoration treatments, and general research to extend our knowledge of the 12 th to 20 th -century stained glass at Notre-Dame.