Unique decorated binding

This exceptional binding, designed by Henry van de Velde and made (end 1895) by the workshop of Paul Claessens to hold the marriage contract of Léon de Lantsheere and Marguerite Kerckx, has been acquired by the Christian Bauwens Fund. It illustrates Van de Velde’s pioneering role as one of the leading figures in the reform of the decorative arts and the birth of modern design. The binding has joined the collection of the Wittockiana in Brussels.

Great technical mastery

Van de Velde’s bindings are distinguished by their sophistication, their geometric and dynamic lines and their considerable technical mastery. They reflect his ‘total art’ approach, in which content and form are in harmony. This binding is from his early, Belgian period (1892-1900), a time when his style was maturing and when he developed his famous medallions and monograms in mosaic leather. Works created during Van de Velde’s first Belgian period (1892-1900), are particularly rare and important. According to the expert P. de Sadeleer, only eleven authentic bindings of this period have been identified. His limited output, which often consisted of unique pieces, illustrates the maturing process of an artist who, after 1900, would become both an influential designer and teacher in Germany.

A work of heritage and historical value

This binding illustrates the pioneering role of Henry van de Velde in the reform of the decorative arts and the birth of modern design. Presented at the La Libre Esthétique, the prestigious salon of the period, the binding testifies to the excellence of Belgian book art at the end of the 19th century. Prior to its being re-discovered in 2010, this binding was known only through an 1896 photograph and, since 1980, it had been erroneously attributed.

A real work of art

The binding, in navy blue Moroccan leather, features a gilt frame on the front and back covers. The couple’s monogram (Léon and Marguerite) is formed by two listels of tan and taupe leather that intertwine to form a stylised heart, with each letter of the monogram finely outlined in gilt, and with a wider filet around the whole, adorned with four small gilt volutes and two finely curved lines. The binding’s spine is blank. The inner lining, in filigree, champagne-coloured moiré, is notable for its design of vertical waves and Chinese-like motifs. The binding is still contained in its original, dark blue percaline box.

Conservation and care

This work has been given on long-term loan to the Wittockiana, in Brussels, houses all of Van de Velde’s original drawings for his Belgian bindings, as well as several of his unique creations. The choice of the Wittockiana guarantees optimal conservation for this binding as well as its integration into a coherent ensemble of Belgian and European heritage.