Patrick Bade
Eiffel Tower: A Symbol of Love
Summary
Patrick Bade discusses the meaning of the Eiffel Tower and why it’s considered symbolic of love, hope and optimism.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.
Well, cause Hitler wanted it to be destroyed. He, he gave in his instructions for the destruction of Paris to General von Cholitz, it was specifically singled out for destruction. Because once the Germans had it before the end of the war, there was no reason for them to destroy it. There could have been a reason for the Allies to destroy it because of its possible use, military use, for broadcasting. But I don’t think they would ever have contemplated that. The symbolism of it would’ve been absolutely disastrous to do that.