The Polonics Institute has subsidised conservation and restoration work at Vaucelle Cemetery on the tombstone of Adolf and Antoni Ferdinand Zienkowicz.

The Zienkowicz monument is the only surviving Polish grave in Caen and the only trace of a large Polish colony in the city, which numbered as many as 75 people in 1833. The grave is endangered by the "cleaning of cemeteries" campaign systematically carried out by the mayor's office to remove neglected graves more than 100 years old.

Antoni Ferdynand Zienkowicz de Bielany, born c.1808 in Słuck, Minsk province, son of Wincenty and Agata, came out of the uprising as a second lieutenant in the Nadwiślańska Legion. He stayed in France since 1832 in the Bourges establishment. After the abolition of the establishment, he was sent to the Manche dapartment in November 1833. He settled in Bayeux (Calvados), where he found employment in a credit bank. By marrying Hyacinthe Le François, he entered the circle of the local bourgeoisie. He had 5 children. Two sons, Albert and Boleslas, were professionally successful : the first as an inspector at the great insurance company La National in Paris, and the second became director of a gasworks in Caen. Zienkowicz died in Caen on 3.06.1886 and was buried in the Vaucelle cemetery.

The site has both historical value (linked to 19th century Polish history) and symbolic value. It represents a lasting trace of the presence and activities of Poles in France.

Work in 2021

It is urgent to take action to save the tombstone of Adolf Ferdinand Zienkowicz. The monument, which has not been repaired for many years, requires full restoration and conservation. The broken cross requires full restoration in order to restore the full religious symbolism of the tombstone. The stratified and partially weathered surface of the stone requires cleaning and restoration of cavities and structural reinforcement. The rich inscriptions need to be authenticated. For practical reasons (proximity to the street and pavement), the grave field needs to be secured by restoring the metal fence. The work should be completed with conservation to protect the monument from the damaging effects of the weather.

Executor: Society for the Care of Polish Historical Monuments and Graves in France

Works in 2022

The monument, which had not been renovated for many years, required full restoration and conservation. In order to restore the full religious symbolism of the tombstone, the upper part of the cross standing on the pedestal was reconstructed. Almost the entire metalwork fence of the grave field was restored. The stratified and partly weathered surface of the stone was cleaned and strengthened, and cavities were filled in. The inscription on the pedestal dedicated to the two buried: Antoni Ferdinand and Adolf gained legibility. The object was protected against the damaging effects of the weather.

The work was carried out according to a programme designed by the conservator-restorer Jakub Kurkiewicz.

Executor: Society for the Protection of Polish Historical Monuments and Graves in France

Conservation works carried out in 2021-2022, Conservation Programme, Polonica Institute