Vignal console from Lyon, the resting console

This strange metal console is a poignant testament to the attention paid to the Lyon silk manufacturers of the time.

Between 1920 and 1925, the Lyon municipal administration, concerned about the well-being of the silk merchants' porters, installed these benches in strategic locations, primarily in the streets of the Terreaux district. They were intended to offer a welcome respite to the porters, allowing them to set down their loads and rest briefly. These benches bear the name of the young city councilor Elie Vignal, the future mayor of Caluire-et-Cuire.

These consoles may have lacked aesthetic sophistication, but they were of vital importance in relieving the aches and pains of the workers. Installed particularly on sloping tracks such as the Saint-Sébastien ascent, they were a real relief to those who used them.

In addition to this, there are only two other Vignal consoles remaining in Lyon, located respectively on rue de la Carrière in the 9th arrondissement and montée de la Sarra in the 5th arrondissement.