Save the Bagatelle Chateau

The Mayor of Paris, Madame Anne Hidalgo

Mr Christophe Girard, Cultural Deputy

Madame Karen Taieb, Heritage Deputy

Madame Danièle Giazzi, Mayor of the 16th district of Paris

Monsieur Bernard Gaudillière, President of the Heritage Commission of Paris

                                   Dear Mayor Hidalgo,

We are writing to you concerning the Bagatelle Chateau, the famous country estate situated in the Bois de Boulogne which was built following a wager between the Queen Marie Antoinette and her brother in law.  We have noticed from month to month the continuing decline of the Chateau and we wish to express our extreme concern for the preservation of this jewel of French heritage.

This site is one of great artistic and architectural wealth as well as a historic location where the Earl of Artois and Napoleon Bonaparte spent time, the prominent collector at the origin of the Wallace Collection, the Marquess of Hertford lived along with Sir Richard Wallace, the philanthropist who gave his name to the renowned museum in London.

The advancing decay of the cornice has led to the disintegration of entire sections of the façade.  While the placement of the netting around the ledge will avoid future accidents, it does not resolve the problem.  Damage of this degree on the decorative low-reliefs is proof of significant leaks elsewhere.  These leaks have in turn led to further deterioration on the upper floors, which have never been properly restored, as well as caused consequences on the ground floor, in the most emblematic rooms of the Chateau.  All of this was noted by the Heritage Commission of Paris in their report on January 31st, 2018. 

In the face of this deterioration, we want to share our preoccupation along with our desire to help preserve and ensure the sustainability of this heritage which is so dear to all of us.  It is for this reason that we request an exhaustive study of the Bagatelle Chateau to determine the exact state of its disorders.  A comprehensive preservation and restoration campaign must also be undertaken, using its 18th century aspect as a reference.  With this objective, we would like to propose our aid through private donations and business sponsorship.

Please find attached the list of all the signatures of this letter.

In the hope of receiving a precise and favourable response on your behalf, please accept our sincere regards.

Amy Kupec Larue & Dorian Guo