France’s richest families and owners of some of the worlds most exclusive brands have pledged a total of €500million to help rebuild the fire damaged Notre-Dame cathedral one of Frances most famous landmarks.
The world watched on in shock last night as images of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral ablaze spread across social media and news channels. There was fear that the building would be completely destroyed but today after examination the damage although severe does not look as disastrous as some had come to expect.
The three stained-glass “rose” windows do not appear to be damaged but would be examined more closely when the cathedral was made safe. Photos from inside the monument suggest Notre Dame’s grand organ, built in the 1730s and boasting 8,000 pipes, was spared from the flames and the sixteen copper statues that decorated the spire, representing the 12 apostles and four evangelists, had thankfully been removed for restoration only a few days before the fire.
Many priceless relics housed within the cathedral also appear to have been saved, the culture minister, Franck Riester, said religious the Crown of Thorns and Saint Louis’s tunic, were being held in security at the Hôtel de Ville, and works of art that sustained smoke damage were being taken to the Louvre where they would be dried out, restored and stored.
In response to appeals made by French President Emmanuel Macron donations have pledged by leading luxury brands with; Bernard Arnault, Europe's wealthiest person and owner of the LVMH luxury goods group who represents brands; Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Moet & Chandon champagne have pledged €200million, François Pinault who owns the Kering luxury good company and brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen have pledged €100million and the Bettencourt family owners of cosmetics giant L'Oreal have pledged €200million
