St Helena : St Helena - Presentation by French Consul on the French Properties
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 27.06.2010 (Article Archived on 11.07.2010)
On Friday, 18 June 2010, the French Consul, Michel Dancoisne-Martineau, gave a very interesting and informative presentation on the French properties on St Helena, to Members of the Legislative Council, Tourism Commission, senior Government officials and other invited guests.
Presentation by French Consul on the French Properties
On Friday, 18 June 2010, the French Consul, Michel Dancoisne-Martineau, gave a very interesting and informative presentation on the French properties on St Helena, to Members of the Legislative Council, Tourism Commission, senior Government officials and other invited guests.
In giving an insight into the history of the French properties on island, with the main focus being on Longwood House, Michel explained that Longwood House, the Briars Pavilion and the Tomb exist through partnership with the French Government, The Fondation Napoléon and the St Helena Government. The French Government continues to take responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance of the properties whilst St Helena Government now takes responsibility for the Fire and Burglary security of Longwood House and for ensuring that the properties are accessible to visitors.
Like all historic buildings and sites, it takes a lot of funding to maintain these historic treasures and while various extensions and maintenance work have been supported by the French Government and a number of Napoleonic Organisations and private individuals over the years, this work has been more in the nature of maintaining the properties rather than in any full scale restoration work. Michel spoke of his efforts to generate international interest in Napoleon on St Helena, through organising conferences, giving speeches at universities abroad, organising ship visits, all in an effort to secure funding in order to upkeep this important aspect of our heritage but he stated it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the properties.
However after much effort and discussion with various organisations, Michel has recently been successful in securing permission from the French Government, in particular the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture, the Napoleonic Societies and other organisations, for a key restoration project which is to restore completely, the Generals’ Quarters at Longwood House as they stood during Napoleon’s days. The Generals’ Quarters had been added to accommodate members of Napoleon’s entourage during the period 1815-1821 and are now deemed to be an important part of Longwood House. The Quarters had previously been demolished and rebuilt in the 1930s, but due to the poor quality of materials used and the harsh weather conditions at Longwood it has resulted in the building deteriorating to such a state that it is now in desperate need of attention. This is a major project which will probably require some 800.000 Euros to restore it to an authentic state and at the same time ensure that the property will endure well into the future. Materials used will need to be of the highest quality to ensure that the construction work fits in with the surrounding structure. For example, the roof will probably be made from copper with a pigment added to give the appearance of the roof being tarred which will be in keeping with the time period, but at the same time will be extremely durable.
After many surveys, reports and different plans and, much debate on its appearance, approval has been granted by the appropriate French authorities to go ahead with restoration works; it is aimed to complete all works in the next three years. The restoration project will be carried out by local building constructor Mr Johnny Isaac. Johnny will lead on the project and will be supported by professionals from France in areas where local expertise does not exist.
Funding for the restoration of the Generals’ Apartments will be through national sponsorship and a campaign to launch this will take place in France in September of this year. In answer to a question from the floor, Michel indicated that sponsorship initiatives from local organisations and individuals would be most welcome.
Michel also said that in 2016, some 80 pieces of furniture used by Napoleon during his time on St Helena will hopefully be exhibited in Paris alongside of other Napoleonic artefacts. The items from St Helena will be sent in advance of the exhibition for professional restoration and, once exhibited, are expected to draw hundreds of thousand viewers, an opportunity not to be missed. This high profile exhibition will generate a lot of international interest in St Helena. Michel said that the furniture will be returned in perfect condition and should coincide with the complete restoration of Longwood House.
In response to another question, Michel said that during the period the furniture is on exhibition in Paris, Longwood House will be “empty”. However at the same time, a competition could easily be organised inviting ideas on how the empty space could be used. This competition would be international and it is expected that it will generate a lot of interest in St Helena.
Plans for the other French property on the island include replacing the first floor of the Briars Pavilion according to the historical records. With regard to Napoleon’s Tomb Michel said that he does not plan to alter the Tomb area in any way. It will continue to be maintained in its unspoilt manner.
He concluded his presentation by inviting all present to view the detailed plans of the restoration and thanked all for giving him the opportunity to present them.
Madam Speaker, Mrs Cathy Hopkins also extended her thanks to Michel for an interesting presentation and looked forward to developing the partnership with the French Consul, St Helena Government, National Trust and Heritage Society.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
23 June 2010
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