In recent months several of our patrons’ funds have acquired works of art or objects that bear witness to our past. An exceptional table fountain in Imari porcelain, a precious Tournai book of hours, almost 140 letters written by Maurice Maeterlinck and a pair of 19th century miniature portraits can now safely defy future centuries!

The Count Thierry de Looz-Corswarem Fund has acquired a magnificent Imari porcelain table fountain. The fountain, which was created in the workshops of Marie Jeanne Husson, is set in a silver mount and has a tap in the form of a dragon’s head. It is the oldest known object stamped with the two hallmarks of the town of Audenade. It has been entrusted to the DIVA Museum of Silver and Diamonds in Antwerp.

The Trameri Book of Hours acquired by the Claire and Michel Lemay Fund represents a milestone in our knowledge about early 16th century illuminated manuscripts. It has been entrusted to the Tournai City Library.

Some 140 unpublished letters written by Maurice Maeterlinck (1862-1949) have been acquired by the Abbé Manoël de la Serna Fund. The letters, which provide us with fresh insight into the life of the famous writer, have been entrusted to the Royal Library of Belgium.
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The Christian Bauwens Fund has acquired two miniature portraits by Louis-Marie Autissier (1772–1830), one of the founders of the miniature portraiture school in Belgium. The Royal Museums of Art and History will integrate these miniatures into their new trail.