Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Treasure hunt

CITY EVENT NAMUR

Antica, a huge antiques fair for both professional and amateur treasure hunters, pitches up in Namur next month. Renée Cordes raises the curtain

Whether you’re a design guru or just seeking a couple of redecorating ideas, the Antica fair in the southern Belgian town of Namur is an absolute must.

The renowned art and antiques fair (antica.be) is now in its 32nd year. And from 8-16 November, it will invite collectors and art lovers to view work by some 155 Northern European dealers, including up to 20 new exhibitors.

“Visitors can find many new ideas for decorating their own homes and see how to mix 18th-century pieces with vintage design,” says Hélène van den Wildenberg, a Liège-based spokeswoman for the fair.

There are some 30 galleries participating, some of whom specialise in painting. However, many of the young galleries that are exhibiting in this year’s event will display photography and industrial furniture, adding a modern touch to the proceedings.

The theme of the 2008 fair will be Alchemy - from antiquity to the present day. It will feature sculptures, enamels, silverware and other pieces all produced by fire. The City of Namur will also invite artisan restorers to demonstrate their skills in the entrance hall.

Period pieces on display will include English bridge and billiard tables, as well as deck chairs and lamps from early 20th-century cruises.

Fortunately for amateurs, all the furniture and ornaments will be displayed in recreations of room interiors, rather than shown in display windows.

Another big draw is that experts will be able to guarantee the Above Old meets old as Namur gets ready to hosts its annual art and antiques fair; Below The picturesque town of Namur is the perfect setting for Antica authenticity of each object, so that first time buyers need not worry about overpaying. “The price is fixed by the market, not by the experts” van den Wildenberg explains.

Mark your calendars for Ladies’ Day on 6 November – women get free entry and will have the opportunity to meet the dealers. On 9 November, the fair’s doors will stay open until 10pm.
And for those who want to further their design education, there will be two conferences (in French), on ‘art nouveau and art deco in Belgium’ (4 November) and on ‘modern trends in the art market’ (11 November).

Don’t miss…

Even if you’re not interested in antiques, there’s plenty to see and do in and around Namur

Namur Citadel

64 route Merveilleuse, tel. (0)81 654500, citadelle.namur.be The citadel is Namur’s top tourist attraction. You can easily while away several hours wandering the grounds – choose from five different walking circuits depending on how much time you’ve got and what you want to see. If you’ve got the children in tow, head for the Queen Fabiola Amusement Park, which has a new mini-golf range.

Brasserie de Bocq

4 rue de la Brasserie, Purnode/Yvoir, tel. (0)82 610780, bocq.be A family-owned brewery since 1858, the Brasserie de Bocq is one of the country’s last traditional breweries, and produces some 60,000 hectolitres every year. Located in the heart of the Condroz valley, the brasserie offers guided tours and tasting sessions. Though La Gauloise is their best-known brand, they recently launched a citrus-flavoured variety called Agrumboc.

Maredsous Abbey

11 rue de Maredous, tel. (0) 82 798211, maredsous.be Built in neo-gothic style in 1872, this Benedictine abbey is considered one of Belgium’s most beautiful. But Maredsous is perhaps most famous for its eponymous Trappist beer and cheese, sold in vast quantities to visitors from all over Europe. The area also has several nature trails, if you need to distance yourself from the madding crowds.

Strawberry Museum

1037 Chaussée de Dinant, tel. (0)814 6207, museedelafraise.be Located a few kilometres south of Namur, the town of Wepion is famous for its strawberries, and even has a museum devoted to the fruit. The five exhibition rooms offer a fascinating glimpse into the local history of strawberry growing. And you can stock up on berry liqueurs, jams and other goodies at the gift shop afterwards.

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