A Historic Revival

Five years ago, a devastating fire ravaged Notre-Dame Cathedral, sending thick clouds of smoke into the Parisian sky and leaving what was once a magnificent Gothic structure in ruins. This iconic monument, which took almost two centuries to complete, is about to welcome visitors once again as it reopens this Saturday.

Canadian Blacksmiths in Action

In an inspiring twist of fate, two Canadian blacksmiths played vital roles in the cathedral's restoration. Among them is Mathieu Collette, a skilled blacksmith from Montreal, who expressed his profound gratitude for having contributed to the cathedral's rebirth.

“I believe I have a little place in paradise now,” Collette shared in a recent interview. Although he won’t reach Paris to witness the reopening until summer, the impact of his work resonates deeply with him.

Forging History

After the tragic fire, Collette was contacted by a fellow blacksmith from France’s Alsace region with an exciting proposition—come to Europe and join the restoration efforts for Notre-Dame. Over the course of four months in the fall of 2022, Collette led a team of seven young blacksmiths in forging 60 axes crucial for the reconstruction of the roof’s timber frame.

These specially crafted axes were swiftly handed over to carpenters, who painstakingly replicated the original construction techniques to maintain the architectural integrity of the cathedral. Collette explained how experts analyze the remains to understand the tools that were originally used in its creation. In this case, it was determined that three distinct types of axes were employed in building the frame he assisted with.

A Blacksmith’s Reflection

“It was a remarkable process,” Collette recalled. “Every time we finished an axe, it went directly to the carpenter. We were working so quickly that it was rare to see more than a couple of completed axes together.”

At 49 years old, Collette has dedicated over three decades to the craft of blacksmithing. His journey began in 1994 when he apprenticed with master blacksmiths in southwestern France, before returning to Quebec to establish his own foundry with his father's guidance.

Admiration for Notre-Dame

Having visited Notre-Dame multiple times throughout his life, Collette has always been enamored by its intricate door hinges. “Every blacksmith around the world wonders: ‘How is it possible to create such beauty?’” he stated.

Global Efforts and Support

Another Canadian contributor to the restoration, Nicholas Patrick from Toronto, was involved in the project as well, although Collette and Patrick never crossed paths during the experience.

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to restore Notre-Dame within just five years of the fire, a promise that initially raised eyebrows among many. This ambitious timeline ultimately galvanized a monumental effort that attracted nearly $1 billion in global donations. Collette commended the endeavor, stating, “I tip my hat to them for completing this project on time; it’s truly incredible.”

In the wake of the fire, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended an offer of support from Canada, pledging to provide steel and timber for the restoration. “Notre-Dame is not just a piece of French history; it’s a treasure of world history that must be preserved, and we will stand by France to help,” Trudeau declared. However, federal officials later could not confirm if any materials were supplied from Canada.

The Grand Reopening

The grand reopening will commence with exclusive ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday, attracting heads of state, including Quebec Premier François Legault, to the French capital. Due to security measures, the location of the cathedral will be closed to tourists during this time.

As this historic landmark prepares to reopen its doors, it marks not only the revival of a cultural icon but also symbolizes the resilience and collaborative spirit of artisans like Mathieu Collette, who striving to preserve a piece of history for future generations.