Henry Van de Velde Overview

A leading Belgian designer who assisted in being a father to the movement of Art Nouveau, in Belgium. Henry Van de Velde originally studied painting in his home town of Antwerp, Belgium only to stop painting in 1894. Prior to his... [more]

A leading Belgian designer who assisted in being a father to the movement of Art Nouveau, in Belgium. Henry Van de Velde originally studied painting in his home town of Antwerp, Belgium only to stop painting in 1894. Prior to his depart from painting he was a member of the artist group "Les XX", based in Brussels. He traveled to Paris to be influenced by Paul Signac and Georges Seurat. Both would become historical figures in painting. Ensuingly Van de Velde turned his focus to the language of ornament. Van de Velde created an interconnection between Art Nouveau and geometrical design, excelling in several disciplines. He drew influence from William Morris aesthetics of design. By 1900 he was working in Germany. After an exhibition in Dresden, Van de Velde received commissions for designs. At one point Henry Van de Velde was appointed by the Grand Duke of Saxon-Weimar in Germany as an "artistic advisor appointed to raise the aesthetic level of production in every handicraft and industry in the land". He would spend a major of his career in Germany. By 1907 he aid in being one of the establishing members, of the "Werkbund". Werkbund means Work alliance, union. The following year Van de Velde became the director of the Weimar School of Arts and Crafts. He would hold the head position at Weimar till 1915. He would go on to be know as original part of the Bauhaus founded by Walter Gropius. By World War I, Van de Velde left Weimar returning to Belgium. He moved forward with creating new styles of architecture and design. In 1926 he became a professor at Ghent University. He would go on to design the famous book tower for the University's library. His style of Architecture, knowledge and experience moved him into another position for the Institute for Architecture and Arts in Ixelles. He began working for both schools at the same time, leaving the Institute for Architecture and Arts in Ixelles a year before Ghent University, 1935. Henry Van de Velde had made many connections through his career, artist, designers, educators, and people who enjoyed his designs. He transcended his craftsmanship with new ideas and creations. He influenced the next generation of designers and thinkers. He continued working in his multiple disciplines till his death on October 25, 1957, in Switzerland. [show less]