… up in flames.
Nearly a thousand years of history going up in flames.
********************
… Like a prodigious skeleton of fire
Leaving an immense void — twisted iron, indented
clock wheels, broken muted bells.
Foolish imposter doors which did not open
Hang in high galleries. Perforated the great
roses — intense blues, purples,
Reds so warm and vigorous which burnished
The rays of the midday sun. The gargoyles drip
heavy tears. I hear the bells falling.
Wind is raging among the naves and corpses.
— Daisy Aldan, The Destruction of Cathedrals.
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From the Notre Dame School of Polyphony (1160-1250).
April 16th, 2019 at 12:26AM
I was happy to remember that the cathedral was mapped internally and externally by laser scanners. This could help restoration efforts. When I looked up the work, I was saddened to learn that the project leader, Prof. Andrew Tallon of Vassar, died last year aged only 49.
https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/289565-notre-dame-is-burning-a-digital-archive-could-hold-the-key-to-restoring-it
April 16th, 2019 at 6:50AM
Ravi: Many thanks for the link to that article. I read some obituaries for Tallon, who seems to have been an exceptional scholar and a wonderful human being. I note that his obituary asks that donations be made to NYC’s Holy Trinity Church.
April 16th, 2019 at 7:27PM
The GoFundMe site to support his family has received several donations since yesterday. People are hearing of him and are showing their appreciation.
https://www.gofundme.com/AndrewTallon
It is beyond unfortunate that families all over have to fundraise like this when illness strikes.
April 16th, 2019 at 8:48PM
Ravi: Thanks for linking to the GoFundMe site, which I’ve been reading. Clearly a wonderful man, whose important work will survive him.