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Origin and history

The monument to Émile Basly, located in Lens, was designed in 1929 by architect Barthelet, who died before his completion. Inaugurated in 1933, it consisted of a large central block with two lateral wings, surrounded by a triangular enclosure. The base, adorned with bas-reliefs carved by Augustin Lesieux, supported a bronze statue protected by a metal trellis with three full arches. This device saved the statue of the cast iron during the Second World War.

In 1956, the statue was resettled, but the original staging with its trellis disappeared. The base was partially reconstituted, with a narrow obelisk serving as the background to the statue. The monument, owned by the commune, was inscribed in the Historical Monuments by order of 9 October 2009. It symbolizes the trade union and political heritage of the mining basin, marked by social struggles and worker identity.

The sculptures, delivered by Augustin Lesieux in 1929, and Barthelet's architecture reflect an artistic and political tribute. The monument, located Avenue Alfred-Maës, embodies the collective memory of Lens and the Hauts-de-France region, linked to industrial and mining history.

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