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Exhibition Blankenberge

Broadsheet Exhibition Blankenberge
Broadsheet Exhibition Blankenberge

"Belle Époque treasures: Thonet furniture"
Belle Époque Centre Blankenberge/Belgium

From 05.05. to 28.09. 2012

This temporary exhibition of the Belle Époque Centre Blankenberge/Belgium presented a beautiful collection of unique Thonet furniture, never seen in Belgium before.

The majority of the pieces came from the collection of Yvan Snauwaert, a passionate collector of Thonet furniture and bentwood expert who was the curator of this exhibition, too. The presentation was complemented by pieces from national and international private collections. Besides the well known and popular chairs, rocking chairs, reclining sofas, clothes racks and a large selection of children's and doll’s furniture has been shown.

On the first Floor you could find more unusual models, including one of the most elegant bentwood designs: the rocking sofa Nr.7500. Also chairs and armchairs in the style of the "Vienna Secession" were to discover here.
On the 2nd Floor early massive bent furniture from the period of about 1855-1870 was displayed.

The mezzanine, which has been restored to its original in the style of the Belle époques, was the elegant setting for the rather delicate pieces, specially designed for a wealthy clientele of middle and upper classes.
Typical for this time you could see original furniture as a "ladies walking stick chair" or a luxury "Priedieu".

On the ground floor mass produced chairs were presented, which were mainly used for furnishing restaurants, bars and other public spaces.

In the basement, finally, there was a very loving presentation of children's and doll's furniture. Here you could also learn about the history of making furniture. Apart from a rare original catalog from 1905 and some old pictures and postcards, you also could find clothes hangers and racks, one of the special collections, which Yvan Snauwaert particularly cares. It was a very interesting presentation, made with love. Get an impression visiting the gallery.