"The Metamorphosis" by Folon, a Major Restoration Project

Jean-Michel Folon settled in Monaco in 1985, before the Monegasque State commissioned him in 1989 to create a work for Rainier III Auditorium, to adorn the Troparium, a genuine space for meetings and exchanges.

Folon presents a monumental tapestry of 73 square metres created by lissier (the person who sets up the looms for a loom) Robert Four, in the Aubusson workshops in France.

The tapestry, marked by a range of pastel colours, always in keeping with the spirit of Folon's works, depicts the metamorphosis of a man into a fish as he dives into the sea, before becoming human again as he emerges from the water, with a sunset on the horizon. We can imagine that this is an allegory of evolution and time, transcribed in poetic fashion.

Although the tapestry presents no structural degradation, it nonetheless requires treatment. It shows significant discolouration, soiling and dust accumulation, the work of time and sunlight.

Due to its monumental character, a preliminary study was carried out in 2024 to coordinate the various stakeholders, with the assistance of La Réserve - GDC, specialists in fine arts.

Its restoration is divided into 3 phases:

• The first phase, which took place from 23 to 25 June, consisted of removing the tapestry, dusting it, then wrapping and storing it before its fundamental restoration. During this cleaning, the restorers first unpicked the hems, removed the old Velcro that had held the work to the wall, as well as residues of double-sided adhesive film that had kept the borders folded. They then dusted both sides of the monumental work using vacuum cleaners
• The tapestry will then be transported to Belgium in 2026, to the Royal De Wit Manufacture, which has specialised since 1889 in the conservation and restoration of tapestries. Many major museums and private collectors entrust it with their most prestigious pieces. Although it will not be possible to restore its original colours, cleaning and backing will be carried out to limit dust accumulation and reinforce it
• Finally, it will be rehung in the Auditorium in 2027 and will return to the Troparium. As part of the overall renovation of Rainier III Auditorium, it is also planned that new UV-protective windows will be installed to eliminate the harmful effects of natural light on the work

The cost of this programme, estimated at nearly €200,000, is covered by the Heritage Institute.

Photo :  © Direction de la Communication - Stéphane Dana