When on a brief sourcing trip to northern Europe, we prefer to travel by train. St Pancras International not only provides a reliable service but is a romantic departure point.
Our first destination was Lille which I remember from my childhood as being quite an industrial town. Old family friends live along one of the wide boulevards and it is there I would stay in the school holidays to practise my French. Now my own children are doing the same and it was a revelation to re-visit the old part of Lille. The Flemish-style buildings have been sympathetically restored and contain numerous small and interesting shops. Along the way you can pick up beautiful treats from the patisseries and chocolateries or, if you are feeling indulgent, eat at the oyster bar Huitrier. Its façade is well worth a glimpse.
The next morning we set off for Bruges to view, what some believe to be, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Its medieval architecture did not disappoint, the maze of lanes and waterways that can only be properly enjoyed on foot or by boat, offer a quiet interlude from the modern day hubbub. If you appreciate art, then Bruges has some interesting museums and churches (The Church of Our Lady has Michelangelo’s the Madonna and Child).
We eventually made our way to Antwerp where we met with some of our suppliers. After lunch we made a detour to the Kanaal owned by Axel Vervoordt. Vervoordt, his family and staff oversee the design and restoration of some of the most beautiful homes in the world, including that of the Belgium Royal family.
The Kanaal itself is a fascinating place to visit, as it showcases Vervoordt’s Home Collection of furniture, fabric and objects. Built on the banks of the Albert Canal, leading to the centre of Antwerp, it was once an old maltworks. Within the complex is a workshop responsible for all the restoration of artefacts used in Vervoordt’s projects. The monumental industrial spaces lend themselves to his impressive collection of art (Anish Kapoor’s At The Edge of the World), antiquities (Dvaravati sculptures) and functional pieces.
Vervoordt traded antiques since he was a boy. His mother was an important influence in his early life. She bought up many 16th century houses in the old city of Antwerp and restored them. Axel, to support his antiques business, invested in similar properties and the business grew from there. His unerring eye for detail, his knowledge of other cultures, his appreciation of tradition and the passage of time, contribute to a profound understanding of design and what constitutes a timeless piece. There is little to compare, I find, to a body of work that has been developed over a lifetime.
Our brief trip complete, it reminded me how important it is not to lose sight of what inspires WhippetGrey. This we hope comes through with the quality of what we offer and the level of service we provide.
