Le Monument Jacquard
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Le Monument Jacquard
Place Albert 1er - 62100 CALAIS
Opposite the Grand Théâtre, a bronze statue embodies a major chapter in local history. It represents Joseph Marie Charles Jacquard, a Lyon engineer whose invention contributed to the development of the lace industry. Throughout the 19th century, the lace industry flourished in what is now the Saint Pierre district. This monument illustrates this economic activity, present in Calais for over two centuries. Jacquard (1752-1834) conceived an innovative process for producing silk goods in Lyon. Adapting his invention to lacemaking machines enabled the industry to develop in the heart of the 19th century. The central figure represents Jacquard (facing the boulevard that also bears his name!), but medallions on the pedestal honor other important figures in Calais' lacemaking history. The monument was created to celebrate the inventors who developed this industry. The project dates back to the early 20th century and faced numerous delays, including the question of location. The space created by the construction of the Grand Théâtre was chosen. A competition was launched, and out of 14 projects, Marius Roussel's was selected. It was inaugurated in 1910. Historical tidbit: the current statue dates from 1954. It replaced the original, which was melted down in 1942 by the German occupiers during the Second World War.
