The fruit of 20 years of research, the digital catalogue raisonné of Henry van de Velde is now available online. It provides access to more than 1,600 works created by this renowned Belgian artist and designer. The Baillet Latour Fund and the René & Karin Jonckheere Fund, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, have actively supported this internationally significant project.

A key resource for professional and amateur designers

Researchers, those working in museums, collectors, art dealers and enthusiasts across the world have now free access on the website www.wvz-henryvandevelde.de to 1,657 designs created by Henry van de Velde between 1891 and 1941. This digital catalogue raisonné represents a major step forward in the study and promotion of work created by Henry van de Velde, a leading Art Nouveau figure.

The contribution of philanthropy Funds

This important project has benefited from over 225,000 euros in financial support from two philanthropy Funds:

• The Baillet Latour Fund, which is dedicated to the restoration and promotion of moveable Belgian heritage of significant historical, cultural or artistic value;

•  The René & Karin Jonckheere Fund, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, which works to safeguard moveable cultural heritage that manifests the European dimension of Brussels.

This financial support has enabled the restoration and digitization of Henry van de Velde’s original furniture designs to be undertaken, as well as his glass photographic plates, which were essential in creating the catalogue.

A scientific and museum tool

Developed by the Museum Directorate of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar, this catalogue compiles all the known works created during Henry van de Velde’s lifetime, in materials such as metals, textiles, ceramics and wood. Each digital entry provides information on the date of the work’s creation, its dimensions, the techniques and the materials employed, the manufacturer, who commissioned it, its provenance and details of surviving examples of the work. This documentation is further enhanced by high-resolution photos with a zoom function.

A major international step forward

This new online tool dedicated to Henry van de Velde’s oeuvre represents a major advance, notably in the previously unpublished presentation of 377 designs for seats, furniture for relaxation and wicker furniture. The digital interface provides a user experience that is faithful to museum objectives. It also includes four detailed directories (of people, institutions, commissions and exhibitions) and over 1,400 images, which contextualise van de Velde’s work, as well as shedding light on his networks and colleagues. Between now and 2027, the project aims to add a further 700 new entries that will cover other categories of furniture. This platform has been made possible thanks to the support of various international partners and foundations.