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Rebuilding churches: an art that revisits the past

Friday 6 May, 09:00 Thursday 12 May, 17:00
Saint Peter - 62217
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The exhibition “Reconstructing Churches”, invites you to discover the achievements of two architects who worked on the reconstruction of churches in the North of France: Pierre Contant d'yury (1698-1777) and Louis-Marie Cordonnier (1854-1940).


Whether in the 18th century or after the Great War, the architects had similar concerns: combining the past with modernity.


Louis-Marie Cordonnier reappropriated the Romanesque and Byzantine styles while combining a delicious alchemy of modern and traditional materials, as shown in the church of Saint-Vaast in Béthune.


These churches, often unknown to the general public, may surprise those who push open their doors.



To continue your discovery of the post-war reconstruction, you can go to the Lapointe room in Wailly to discover the exhibition: “Small and Large History of Wailly since the 1920s”. Also free of charge.


Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Rue de l'Eglise, 62217 Wailly
06 May 2022 - 09:00 to 12 May 2022 - 17:00

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Saint Peter

Event Host Building

Saint Peter

A gothic church in local white stone has stood in Wailly since the 13th century. It was destroyed during the second half of the 17th century, and rebuilt in brick during th following century, except for its stone tower which had been preserved. But the church was entirely destroyed during the First World War. After the conflict a new brick church was built, in a very eclectic style but with a strong Art Deco influence.

An unusual archictectural particularity can be immediately seen : the presence of two identical porches, in the neo-classical style with columns and triangular pediments, which correspond with the two church doors. It is said that during the 18th century this enabled two rival families to enter the church without having to greet each other, and to sit on either side of the nave. When the church was rebuilt in the 20th century the model of the two porches was kept, to underline the originality of the building.

Within the church , the visitor is struck by the lines of columns which guide the eyes towards the sanctuary. All the characteristics of the Art Deco style are to be found in the church furnishings – the altar, pulpit, confessional Way of the Cross, and even the light fixtures. The luminosity of the interior valorises it all.

Building profile

Church
Catholic Church

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Open

Monday09:00–17:00
Tuesday09:00–17:00
Wednesday09:00–17:00
Thursday09:00–17:00
Friday09:00–17:00
Saturday09:00–17:00
Sunday09:00–17:00