Jules Wabbes Retrospective - Brussels

Wednesday October 17, 2012 through Sunday January 6, 2013

Jules Wabbes is one of Belgium's most important furniture designers, yet he remains unknown to the mass public. This exhibition presents, for the first time, a complete overview of his work as 'furniture designer' with a specific focus on the pieces he designed for Foncolin, and his participation at the Milan Triennales in 1957 and 1960. In addition to pictures and original drawings, the exhibit will also feature unique pieces, including prototypes amongst which some have never been shown to the public before.

Jules Wabbes est l’un des plus importants créateurs belges de meubles, mais il reste un inconnu pour le grand public. L’exposition présente pour la première fois un aperçu complet de son travail comme designer de meubles, avec une attention particulière pour les meubles du Foncolin et pour ses participations aux Triennales de Milan en 1957 et 1960. En plus de photos et dessins originaux, l’exposition comporte surtout des pièces de mobilier uniques, parmi lesquelles différents prototypes qui sont pour la première fois présentés au public.

More info @ http://www.bozar.be/

BOZAR - Centre for fine Arts
Rue Ravenstein 23 

1000 Bruxelles

Belgium
Info & Tickets (32) 02 507 82 00

Jules Wabbes Revival

"For the last few years Jules Wabbes (1919-1974) was high-up there on the vintage list for international design dealers. As a result his original designs reached astronomical heights in price and desirability. That’s why the premier representative of Belgian design in the 1960s and 70s is currently re-edited by Belgian design-house Bulo, lightning house Wever & Ducré and carpet house Bic-Carpets.

Initially an antiques dealer and decorator, in the 1950s he designed the interior for several Sabena aircrafts. A series of interior design commissions followed, including the International Science Hall at the Brussels Universal Exhibition, the royal couple’s apartment on board the Belgian marine ship Godetia and the offices of the Crédit Communal or the Générale de Banque.

A lover of beautiful materials, he created desks, tables, bookcases, mobile furniture, storage furniture, lamps and seating, in addition to the furniture Wabbes had made to measure or adapted for customers who commissioned him to fit out their interiors: beds, lights, door handles. All these different designs could be ordered in different sizes, materials or finishes. These were the foundations of the international reputation of his designs, designs of simple form and timeless elegance.

We don’t say the re-editions are cheap, but they will save you some money if you want to invest in timeless and elegant classic. And let’s be honest, aren’t you tired of seeing Vitra designs and Kartell everywhere…"

This post via http://www.ilovebelgium.be/

You can also check this previous 2009 entry from Belg'Chic on Jules Wabbes here.