Bell Restoration
A process unique in France to preserve the history of your bell
Since 1991, Bodet Campanaire has welded more than 1,500 bells. With know-how unique in France and a restoration process by welding, Bodet Campanaire is devoted to safeguarding your architectural heritage. Together, let’s preserve the history and authenticity of your bells.
How to restore a bell
The process involves welding with refill. Chipped, cracked and damaged areas are restored by adding material.
Our patented process for restoring ancient bells preserves the existing bell and gives it a second life. The ring of the bell is restored so that it is identical to the original. Welding the bell avoids the need for recasting and preserves the function and aesthetic of old or listed bells.
Stages in bell restoration
Red dye penetrant is used to visualise cracks..
The crack is removed by grinding.
The bell is heated in an oven.
The crack is filled by welding.
View of the filled crack.
La cloche est ensuite repassée au four, pour le "recuit".
The bell is then put back into the oven for ‘annealing’...
If necessary, the ornamentation is restored.
The bell is gently brushed for a patinated finish.
Musical instrument and work of art
Musicality
Restoring a bell brings back its original ring. A cast bell usually emits 5 tuned notes when rung: the hum, the strike, the tierce, the quint and the nominal.
Before / After each restoration, a survey of the bell’s notes is carried out to ensure correct tuning.
Bodet Campanaire offers a suitable musical repertoire depending on the number of bells and each of their notes.
The bell: a work of art
A bell is both a musical instrument and a work of art. Most bells are decorated:
- with ornaments
- with inscriptions tracing the memory of its originators, such as the name of the foundry, the mayor, the patrons and the date it was first used
- with inscriptions tracing the history of the town or village
Several crafts for complete expertise
Removal
Our bell technicians have great experience in various bell removal techniques.
Dye penetrant inspection
We determine the extent of the damage and the degree of wear on the bell.
Restoration
The bell is restored using an exclusive patented welding process.
Replacement
Our bell technicians are expert in replacing the bells in your buildings.
Maintenance
Our technicians are available to maintain and inspect your bells.
Preserving authenticity
Restoring a bell means:
- Giving worn, cracked or damaged bells a second life
- Restoring their original sound
- Preserving their historical and sentimental value
- Securing the installation
The best service for each of your needs
Canons
Restoration or replacement of worn or broken parts
More informationCore
Restoration by material refill
More informationCrown
Restoration by material refill
More informationCrown staple
Restoration or replacement of the attachment
More informationInscriptions
Restoration of the inscriptions
More informationSkirt
Restoration by material refill
Clapper
Restoration by material refill
More informationStriking points
Restoration by material refill
More informationRestoring a bell: before / after
How does a bell wear?
Bells are subject to a number of stresses
Wear can have different causes such as:
- cumulative effect of years of ringing, wearing out the striking points.
- casting defects and cracking of the core leading to splitting of the crown.
- improperly tightened stays wearing out the canons.
- ringing mechanisms resulting in too much amplitude and weakening the structure.
- yhard steel clapper worn out or incorrectly sized, causing cracks.
Bodet Campanaire: Renowned know-how
Bodet Campanaire guarantees a successful restoration. Our welders work on bells of all sizes every day. To date, Bodet Campanaire has performed more than 1,500 welds on bells.
Avoid recasting a bell
All restorations carried out in our workshops are guaranteed for 20 years
Preserve the history of your town
Bell Restoration: Immortalise the event
To promote this rare and exceptional event in the history of your town or village, we offer various activities and solutions for sharing this event with the residents.
Bodet Campanaire at your side: before, during and after the event.
