Residents and visitors to Blankenberge can now closely discover a special piece of the town's Belle Époque past, thanks to the restoration and installation of two historic tile panels. These decorative artworks were uncovered during the demolition of a building in Bakkersstraat and now adorn the Belle Époque Centre.
The panels, depicting a deer and a wild boar, combine Art Nouveau with eclecticism, giving the scenes their characteristic appeal. City guide Alberta Van Asbroeck researched the history of the building, discovering it previously housed the Doetsch-Cattoor poultry shop, which explains the images of the wild boar and deer.
Art historian dr. Mario Baeck identified S.A. Usines de la Dyle from Wijgmaal as the manufacturer of the tiles, likely produced between 1908 and 1914. This Belgian tile producer played a significant role in the sector in the early twentieth century. The panels are rare examples of large-scale decorative tile achievements preserved in Belgium.
JL Group, the owner of the site where the tiles were found, donated the historical ensemble to the local authorities. Arno Van Sabben undertook the conservation and restoration, ensuring this heritage a new future in the city.
The tile panels enhance the collection of the Belle Époque Centre, which is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Blankenberge's rich Belle Époque heritage. The centre is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 2 PM to 5 PM.
