History

The townhouse bearing the Bonheure plaque comes with a rich history. It was once the luxurious residence of the renowned Bruges artisan blacksmith family Bonheure. Here, you'll find a short summary of family Bonheure.

Hungry for more? This page is currently under construction; more information and photos will be added later.

ADOLF BONHEURE 1885-1938

Married to Alice Stalpaert, they had 4 children: Gerard, François, Joanne, and Maria.

He learned from his father the craft of forging stoves and gates.

Purchased the house from a wine merchant and transformed the rear building into a large artisanal forge.

He became known for his own art-deco style adorned with flora, patinated and polished. He mastered multiple art styles and designed chandeliers, candlesticks, frames, railings, etc. He hammered scenes in bas-relief into copper plates that were cast as fireplace plates.

After his premature death, his sons Gerard and François continued the business.

GERARD BONHEURE 1911-1972

Married to Marie Janssen, no children.

After secondary education, he furthered his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bruges. All analog photos were photographed and developed by him.

FRANCOIS BONHEURE 1915-2002

Cared for his mother and remained unmarried and childless.

He designed a beautiful flower garden behind the family home.

THEIR WORKS

Characterized by gracefully forged curls, leaves, rosettes, and twisted iron. Many of their works can still be seen in and around Bruges and in Knokke-Zoute. Due to their collaboration with various architects, you can still see their works on the facades of many villas, graceful door grilles, balustrades, stair railings, lightning conductors, etc.

The creations of the Bonheure brothers would now be priceless.

In the shop in their own home at Butcher's Street 30 in Bruges, you could see candlesticks, chandeliers, door locks, wall sconces, forged tables, stoves, and mirrors. All together, a wonderful universe.

Their refined works were well known throughout Belgium and Europe and were even shipped to the U.S.

Due to the lack of descendants, this unique artistic tradition unfortunately died out. After François's death, the house was sold.

ON THE BEAUTIFUL PROTECTED SIGN ON THE FACADE, YOU CAN SEE THE BLACKSMITH AT WORK AND THE FAMILY NAME BONHEURE.

This "Pièce Unique" showcases the craftsmanship of father Adolf and his sons Gerard and François.

History and works album

Below you'll find an album of created works and art pieces.

BONHEUR means HAPPINESS; May your stay at Guesthouse Bonheure bring you many happy moments and who knows... You might feel the artistic soul of its former inhabitants.