Friday, February 24, 2012

Axel Vervoordt’s Castle

Kasteel van's-Gravenwezel was built in the 12th century, with towers and wings added later

Axel Vervoordt’s Castle: Every Night At The Museum -- The Telegraph

Axel Vervoordt’s castle is his home, each room a gallery of exhibits.

Axel Vervoordt is a Belgian antiques dealer, collector and interior designer who over the past four decades has come to be regarded as one of the most original and influential figures in art and design. His aesthetic draws from different cultures and historical periods, but is remarkably accessible. This is quite some feat, particularly when viewed in the most thorough manifestation of Vervoordt’s style: his home, a magnificent 12th-century castle near Antwerp.

Surrounded by a moat and set within 62 acres of parkland, Kasteel van ’s-Gravenwezel has withstood wars and feuds, and survived often misguided architectural alterations and downright neglect. When he and his wife, May, bought it in 1984, Vervoordt immediately embarked on a four-year restoration programme to 'cleanse’ it of its unnecessary additions. 'It was no easy task,’ he says. 'And, despite wanting to simplify things, we were very careful to respect alterations that were in keeping with the original style.’

Read more ....

My Comment: The history in such a place .... wow.

No comments:

Post a Comment