Handling Monumental Sculptures in Île-de-France: Bovis Fine Art Carries Out the Transfer of Grigny’s Iconic Pigeons
On February 10th, 2025, the teams from Bovis Fine Art Île-de-France executed an exceptional technical operation as part of the redevelopment of La Grande Borne in Grigny (Essonne): the dismantling, lifting, and secure transport of two monumental pigeon sculptures by French artist François-Xavier Lalanne, emblematic of the urban heritage of the Paris region. These sculptures, each over 4 meters high and weighing 16 tonnes, were handled with the utmost care, thanks to our recognized expertise in the handling of large-scale artworks.
Fine Art Expertise Serving Sculptural Heritage
As a specialist in art transport in the Île-de-France region, Bovis Fine Art once again proved to be a reference in the handling of monumental sculptures. The operation on Place de la Treille in Grigny presented a major technical challenge: the works were positioned above an underground car park with a fragile structure, making any direct vehicle access impossible. Our Fine Art engineering office developed a tailored methodology, taking into account the architectural and structural constraints of the site, to ensure a safe evacuation with no risk to the sculptures or their surroundings.
A Spectacular Lifting Operation Using a 650-Tonne Crane
To lift the sculptures without putting stress on the weakened ground supported by underground pillars, a 650-tonne mobile crane was deployed to lift the artworks above surrounding buildings. This extraordinary solution, coordinated upstream by our technical teams, allowed each artwork to be lifted vertically, while ensuring full control over trajectory and stability during the entire operation.
A Custom-Made Steel Frame Designed by Our Fine Metalwork Department
To secure the sculptures during transport and in anticipation of future storage, our in-house fine metalwork department built a custom cradle-shaped metal frame. Designed by our engineering office, this multifunctional structure served simultaneously as a lifting system, protective transport frame, and long-term storage support. Manufactured in accordance with the strictest museum standards, this metal structure perfectly illustrates the synergy between technical engineering and heritage conservation within our teams.
An Outstanding Human and Logistical Deployment
The operation involved:
▪️ A 650T crane for the lifting phase
▪️ A low-bed trailer for transport
▪️ A crane truck for support maneuvers
▪️ A team of 5 Fine Art-trained handling specialists, skilled in the manipulation of monumental artworks
Each phase – from the initial planning by the engineering office, to the construction of the cradle and the secure lifting of the sculptures – was executed in full compliance with museum-grade standards, ensuring the physical and symbolic integrity of the works.
Bovis Fine Art: Your Go-To Partner for Sculpture Handling in Île-de-France
Through this impressive operation in Grigny, Bovis Fine Art Île-de-France reaffirms its position as a leader in the transport and handling of monumental artworks. With our integrated engineering office, in-house metalwork department, and expert field teams, we develop innovative technical solutions for museums, public authorities, and cultural institutions.
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Grigny’s Pigeons: A Powerful Artistic Symbol
Installed since the late 1960s on Place de la Treille, the two monumental pigeon sculptures are the work of François-Xavier Lalanne, a major figure in French contemporary art. Created in a style that is both poetic and accessible, they embody the ambition of La Grande Borne’s urban project, designed by architect Émile Aillaud to integrate art into the daily life of the community. These sculptures became a strong visual landmark and point of identity for generations of Grigny residents.
With their rounded shapes and monumental scale, these pigeons evoke softness, closeness to nature, and social connection at the heart of public space. Their temporary relocation, as part of the neighborhood’s renovation project, reflects a clear commitment to heritage preservation. Their future reinstallation in the renewed urban landscape will stand as a collective effort to safeguard the artistic memory of the site.
Watch a video of this project:
