Brussels Antiques & Fine Arts Fair

Name: BRAFA’11 Brussels Antiques & Fine Arts Fair

Date and opening times: 21 to 30^th January 2011, daily from 11 am to 7 pm

Place: Thurn & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86 C, Brussels, Belgium

Entrance fee: 20 €

Contact: info@brafa.be, Tel: +32 (0) 2 513 48 31

Webpage: www.brafa.be

Comments:

For the eight time, the Brussels Antiques & Fine Arts Fair will take place in the large halls of the mail sorting station of “Thurn & Taxis” The exhibition space comprises a total surface of 14.000 m², spread over room 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the building A. This historical building, located along the Willebroek canal, is a wonderful example of the Belgian industrial architectural heritage. It was built around 1903-1904 according to the plans of the architect Van Humbeek and was originally used as a storage place for transit merchandise. Technically seen it is the most astonishing building of the site, covered by a phenomenal metal frame of 17.000 m². The complex is situated in the heart of Brussels, only a few minutes from Place Rogier, the North Station and the tube station Yser.

Also this year the interior design of the different rooms of the fair will be done by Nicolas de Liedekerke and Daniel Culot of “Volume Architecture”. They participate actively to the creation of a general image of the 56th Brussels Antiques & Fine Arts Fair at the site of Tour & Taxis. Their team will once again render a unique creative touch to the architecture of this formal sorting centre.

The target of the “Asbl Foire des Antiquaires de Belgique” is to bring together the participating dealers and organise this prestigious national and international fair to their attention. Another objective is to create a sense of brotherhood and moral support amongst the affiliated members.

The 130 participants represent different countries such as Belgium (50%), France, Germany, Great-Britain, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Portugal, Russia, Spain, USA and Switzerland. A balanced number which the organisation doesn’t want to increase in spite of the international reputation of the fair.

Antiquities, Oceanic art, Tribal art, Oriental art, silver, antique jewellery, furniture and works of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, curiosities, ceramics, earthenware and porcelain, drawings, engravings, old master and modern paintings, sculpture, carpets, tapestry, antique and modern books, coins, contemporary art, photography.

Thanks to the increase of quality and the international reputation, the fair has actually a number of 38.000 visitors from Belgium and abroad.

Quality and authenticity are guaranteed thanks to a rigorous selection done by an independent vetting committee. These experts are not exhibiting and are mostly museum curators and scientists from all over the world. This vetting procedure adds greatly to the high expectations of the demanding public looking for exceptional works of art!

© Text and image: www.brafa.be