Notre Dame de Paris – its Iconic Status in French History
A talk by Carole Petipher for The Arts Society Chiswick
Notre Dame de Paris
April 21, 2026
When fire tore through Notre Dame Cathedral on 15 April 2019, the world watched in disbelief as one of Europe’s most recognisable landmarks appeared to be on the brink of destruction. The French President’s pledge to rebuild the cathedral within five years felt, at the time, almost impossibly ambitious. Yet thanks to extraordinary craftsmanship, vast public generosity and a national determination to restore a symbol of French identity, Notre Dame reopened in December 2024.
For its next meeting on Thursday 14 May, The Arts Society Chiswick welcomes Carole Petipher to explore why this building holds such a powerful place in the French imagination — and why its survival matters far beyond Paris.
In her talk, “Notre Dame de Paris: its iconic status in French History,” Carole will guide audiences through the cathedral’s long and eventful life. She will examine its commanding location on the Île de la Cité, its most treasured artefacts, and the many historic moments that have unfolded beneath its soaring vaults. Through images and stories, she will trace how Notre Dame has become not just a masterpiece of Gothic architecture but a stage on which French history has repeatedly played out.
She will also introduce one of literature’s most enduring figures: Quasimodo, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, whose fictional heroism helped save the cathedral from neglect in the 19th century. His story, Carole argues, is part of the building’s mythology — a reminder of how deeply Notre Dame is woven into French cultural memory.
A highly experienced guide and lecturer, Carole has spent two decades leading combined art and history tours across France. Much of her research has been shaped by life aboard bespoke river vessels and converted barges, giving her a distinctive perspective on the landscapes, characters and hidden stories that shaped the nation.
“We look forward to hearing from Carole Petipher about the symbolic power of this cultural icon in the psyche of the French people and indeed all of us,” says Alison Watson, Chair of The Arts Society Chiswick.
The evening will take place at POSK, with doors and the private bar opening at 7pm. The society’s AGM begins at 7.45pm, followed by the talk at 8pm.
Guests are warmly welcomed — £15 on the door, redeemable against the annual subscription for anyone joining on the night.
Membership of the Arts Society Chiswick includes ten expert lectures on the second Thursday of every month (except August and December) and the opportunity to participate in tours, visits, social events and Special Interest Days. Half year Membership available from 1 July. For more information see the society's web site.
The Arts Society Chiswick brings people together through a shared curiosity for the arts, to create opportunities for everyone to be part of a diverse community in which they can enjoy, learn about, participate in, and preserve the Arts and Cultural Heritage.
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