Founders of a heritage maintenance company

Martin Squarcini and Jean-Louis Ghiddi, founders of a company focused on the maintenance and preservation of tombs and historical monuments, have been working with individuals and municipalities for two years to maintain tombs and preserve elements of heritage.

Scope of their work

Their work involves high-pressure cleaning to remove dirt, antifungal treatments to combat moss and moisture-related stains, renovation of lettering, painting work, and small masonry repairs when cement begins to crumble. Each intervention begins with an initial on-site visit to assess the condition of the tomb and determine the necessary work.

Personalized services and client base

Families can also request them to flower the tombs, choosing the varieties themselves or allowing the partners to select seasonal flowers. The two partners work primarily in the Ajaccio area and surrounding villages, though they can travel anywhere in Corsica. The majority of their clients are residents of the island, particularly elderly people, though some families on the mainland also request their services.

Work beyond cemeteries

Their activity extends beyond cemeteries, as they also work with municipalities to maintain war memorials and various elements of ancient heritage. They have intervened on monuments in Peri, Calcatoggio, and Afa, as well as on the communal stairs of Casalabriva. One such project required a full day of work, from 7 am to 6:30 pm.

Challenges of the profession

The profession has its constraints, including limited access to water and electricity in some cemeteries, which sometimes forces them to transport their own reserves and use thermal or battery-powered equipment. Weather conditions can also delay interventions, particularly when products require perfectly dry surfaces.

Emotional and historical connections

Martin Squarcini noted that the tombs of children leave the greatest impression on him, while war memorials, especially those dedicated to World War I, also capture his attention. All Saints' Day is a particularly significant moment for the two partners, as it is when they receive the most requests.

High demand during peak season

October has been very busy, with some interventions already scheduled two months in advance. Last-minute requests can sometimes be difficult to satisfy, as many people call a week before the holiday, hoping for interventions to be completed by the weekend. Unfortunately, not all requests can be fulfilled, and some interventions are scheduled after All Saints' Day.

Connection to collective memory

Squarcini explained that their company is part of a continuity of their long-standing commitment to collective memory, which began with an association dedicated to the preservation of place names and toponymy. Through their musical group Cuscenza, which includes songs that pay tribute to the past, they continued this work around collective memory. The idea of creating a company focused on memory was the logical thread of their commitment, as they have always been attracted to everything related to collective memory, monuments, commemorative plaques, history, and the individual memory of the deceased.