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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Saint Joseph du Toloy, located in the Vosges department in the Grand Est region, is a Catholic building built in the middle of the twentieth century. It is distinguished by its pioneering use of glass slabs, a technique invented in 1925 by glass painter Jean Gaudin. This process, derived from claustras, mosaic and translucent concrete, offers a much higher colour intensity than traditional stained glass windows. The church contributed to the fame of master glassmaker Gabriel Loire, who applied this innovation for the first time in the region.

The building houses a remarkable statue, the Virgin known as Our Lady of Bon Secours, as well as a sculpture dating from about 1760, made by artist Hubert Jeandel in Epinal. These artistic elements bear witness to the rich heritage of the church, which combines ancient heritage and architectural modernity. Classified as a historical monument by decree of 10 February 2014, it illustrates the evolution of artistic techniques in 20th century religious buildings.

The glass slab technique used here marks a break with traditional stained glass methods. It allows an intense and colorful light diffusion, transforming the interior space into a unique visual experience. This process, inspired by medieval claustras and mosaics, opened the way for new artistic possibilities in modern religious architecture. The St. Joseph's church in Toly is an emblematic example, combining technical innovation and spirituality.

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