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User:Muriel Logist/Christophe Gevers

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Christophe Gevers was a Belgian interior architect and designer, born inDeurne (Anvers) on September, 30 1928 and died in Braine-l’Alleud on June 17, 2007. Through all the projects he has carried out, both public and private, in Belgium and France for the most part, Christophe Gevers is a major creator of the second half of the twentieth century in Belgium. Designer, interior architect, professor at La Cambre (ENSAV), his career is multifaceted.

Biography

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Family

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Christophe Gevers was the son of Robert Gevers, a coffee merchant who died in 1947, and Évelyne Pollet, a writer who died in 2005; she was almost a hundred years old[1]. Christophe Gevers older brother was a successful actor under the stage name Ivan Dominique[2].

Training

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Growing up in a French-speaking family in Antwerp, Christophe Gevers had little interest in school, especially as the technical institute he attended taught in Dutch. However, he also trained in cabinetmaking through apprenticeships with craftsmen.

He continued to drop out of school until he was 19, when his father died. However, he took courses in mechanics and radio electricity.

Academic Career

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In the autumn of 1959, Christophe Gevers became a teacher at the famous La Cambre art school, with the title of head of the Mobilier et Agencement Workshop. There he rubbed shoulders with colleagues and artist friends such as Félix Roulin, Tapta, Corneille Hannoset…[3],[4]

It was the famous modernist architect Léon Stynen, director of the institution from 1950 to 1964, who entrusted him with this post, Stynen having himself been hired by the founder of La Cambre, Henry van de Velde. Christophe Gevers held the post for an exceptional 33 years.[5].

Professional Career

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Christophe Gevers first worked for the De Coene firm, which also imported Florence Knoll furniture.

But it was in 1958, the same year as the Brussels World's Fair, that his talent came to the fore. He created the Cap d’Argent, a tavern with avant-garde architecture. It was here that Léon Stynen discovered his talent. His first personal projects were contemporary. In the mid-1960s, he designed the 300 series, a complete line of office furniture for Asko. For the same brand, he designed showroom interiors in Paris, boulevard Saint-Germain and in the historic heart of Brussels[6].

The Restaurants

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In the wake of Cap d’Argent, Christophe Gevers was entrusted with fitting out the Taverne des Beaux-Arts. . It was in 1968, however, that he gained further notoriety with the opening of Au Vieux Saint Martin, on the place of Grand Sablon in Brussels. His client, art lover Albert Niels, who was close to the Cobra (art mouvement), Albert Niels, soon entrusted him with the creation of two other Brussels restaurants, La Marie Joseph and Au Duc d’Arenberg, as well as three restaurants in the Belgian pavilion at Expo '70 in Osaka. The collaboration with the Niels family culminated in the Canterbury, in 1992[7].

Major Projects

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Model for the Fina company restaurant, created by Christophe Gevers

The seventies saw a succession of major projects, including the town hall and the Woluwe-Saint-Pierre cultural and conference center.

He also fitted out the staff restaurants of three banking institutions: the Générale de Banque, the Bank Brussels Lambert and the Crédit Communal de Belgique (first name for Belfius). The latter also entrusted him with the Passage 44, which included a large auditorium and two cinemas, the Twins.

In 1984, Quick (restaurant), entrusted him with its first fast-food restaurant, at the Avenue Louise. . Others followed in Grenoble, Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux or Milan[8].

The Designer Craftsman

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The Wave lamp by Christophe Gevers

Inseparable from his projects, the creation of furniture and lighting is a permanent feature of Christophe Gevers' work. Many of these pieces, such as the iconic TBA chair, are produced on a project-by-project basis. Others, such as the Square lamp and the Wave lamp, have been widely distributed. The latter was also produced in the USA for ten years by Koch&Loewy. Many prototypes, were first produced in the workshop he had in the basement of his home[9].

The Toys

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Christophe Gevers made his first toys and games in response to a request from his daughter Nathalie. As a teacher, she made specific requests to entertain her classes. Like so many other objects that he made with extreme care, his workshops allowed him to explore all materials. Patience games, board games, animated games, mobile games like his weather vanes, his inventiveness knows no bounds. From a carousel of cars to a truck made from roller skates, the range is wide. In this, he is close to artists like Alexander Calder, Pablo Picasso ou Paul Klee[10],[9].

An Overview of the Works

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References for most achievements, unless otherwise stated:[11],[7],[9].

Fifties

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  • 1958: Cap d’Argent Tavern in Brussels[12],[13]
  • 1958: TBA chair[14],[15]
  • 1959: Taverne des Beaux-Arts in Brussels[16],[13]

Sixties

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  • 1965: Waterloo Golf Clubhouse
  • 1965: Showroom Asko, Paris[17]
  • 1966: Showroom Asko, Brussels[18]
  • 1967: Offices and conference room for the Belgian Office for Increased Productivity
  • 1966-1968: Flandria boats nr 16, nr 20 and nr 21, Scheldt estuary, Antwerp
  • 1968: Offices of the Fondation Industrie Université
  • 1968-1969: Au Vieux Saint Martin, restaurant in Brussels[13]
  • 1968-1971: For the Crédit Communal de Belgique, Auditorium 44 & Twinscinemas, Passage 44, Brussels[19]
  • 1969: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie castle[20],[21]

Seventies

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The restaurant of La Cambre (school), designed by Christophe Gevers
  • 1970: Restaurant and cafeterias in the Belgian Pavilion, Expo '70 World's fair, Osaka, Japan
  • 1971: La Marie Joseph, restaurant in Brussels[13]
  • 1972: La Cambre school restaurant[22]
  • 1972: Chalet Robinson, Bois de la Cambre, restaurant in Brussels
  • 1972-1975: Cultural centre and conference centre, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre town hall
  • 1973: CG73 chair
  • 1973: Taverne des Trois Tonneaux[13], restaurant in Brussels
  • 1973-1974: New FINA (Petrofina) head office, Brussels
  • 1974: Vanypeco Troost offices, Brussels
  • 1974: Au Duc d’Arenberg, restaurant in Brussels[13]
  • 1975-1977: Banque Bruxelles Lambert restaurant, cafeteria and reception hall, Brussels
  • 1976: Passage 44 Crédit Communal branch, Brussels
  • 1976: Offices and showroom of Établissements Simonis, Brussels
  • 1976-1978: Société générale de banque, restaurant and cafeteria, Brussels[23]
  • 1978: E.R.F.A.(European Rail Freight Association) laboratories, Brussels

Eighties

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Nineties and after...

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  • 1992-1993: Canterbury, restaurant in Brussels[13]
  • 2002: De Mechelsepoort, restaurant in Dendermonde

Institutional Recognition

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Bibliographie

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  • GABRIEL, Jean-Pierre, Christophe Gevers, Brussels, 2024. 432 pages, 500 pictures. ISBN 978-2-9602927-4-9
  • LOZE, Pierre, and Thierry AUGHUET, Christophe Gevers Designer, Brussels, Éditions d’Art Laconti, 2008. 152 pages. ISBN 978-2-8700804-2-9 (French)
  • BORDES, Juan, et al., Toys of the Avant-Garde, Malaga: Fundacion Museo Picasso Málaga, 2010. 384 pages. ISBN 978-84-937233-6-1
  • Région de Bruxelles-Capitale, Commerce et négoce, Sprimont (Belgium), Pierre Mardaga editor, 2003. 150 pages. ISBN 2-87009-847-2. Page 71 Available online https://www.google.be/books/edition/Commerce_et_n%C3%A9goce/jY9R2NHEdqgC?hl=fr&gbpv=1&dq=%22Christophe+Gevers%22&pg=PA71&printsec=frontcover. Accessed October 20, 2024.
  • Koch+Lowy, 1985. New York, Koch+Lowy
  • Le signe d'or. Le signe d’or=Het gouden kenteken=The golden signet=Das Goldzeichen=Il segno d’oro=El signo de oro, 1959. Brussels: Le signe d'or with the collaboration of the Belgian Foreign Trade Office (French, Dutch, English, German, Italian, Spanish)
  • GOVAERTS, Tessy, Christophe Gevers (1928-2007): Het metier als fundament voor interieur en design, Gent, Universiteit Gent, Faculteit Letteren en Wijsbegeerte, 2018. 230 pages. (Dutch)
  • HAEMERS, Erik, Christophe Gevers (1928-2007) Interieurarchitect & Designer, Antwerpen, Syntra, 2008. 188 pages. (Dutch)
  • PASMANS, Carolien, Belgisch Paviljoen op de wereldtentoonstelling te Osaka, 1970, Thesis, Gent, Universiteit Gent, 2002. 145 pages. (Dutch)
  • Asko, L’Œil, March 1967. nr 147, pages 72-77.
  • Christophe Gevers, Architecture 59, 1959, nr 28, pages 216-219
  • Un fast-food démocratique dans une atmosphère de luxe, le magazine de la maison decors, 1986, pages 130-135.
  • BAILHACHE, Pompon, Une maison aujourd'hui dans le Lot, La maison de marie claire, January 1970, nr35, pages 64-69.
  • BOUVRY, Fanny, Het vergeten genie: De erfenis van Christophe Gevers, Knack, 2023, pages 48-52.
  • BOUVRY, Fanny, Gevers trouve tout, Le Vif, 2023, pages 6-49.
  • BOYER, Marie-France, Triple Helix, The World of Interiors, February 2021. 10 pages.
  • DEMEULEMEESTER, Thijs, Christophe Gevers n’est jamais tape-à-l’œil, L'Écho, September 30, 2023. Sabato, pages 68-75.
  • DEMEULEMEESTER, Thijs, Christophe Gevers is nooit tape-à-l’œil, De Tijd, September 30, 2023. Sabato, pages 104-110.
  • DEMEULEMEESTER, Thijs, Christophe Gevers, génie de l'architecture, a démarré sa carrière chez... Quick. L'Écho, October 2, 2023. Sabato. Available online https://www.lecho.be/sabato/architecture/christophe-gevers-genie-de-l-architecture-a-demarre-sa-carriere-chez-quick/10495914.html Accessed on October 20, 2024.
  • DES CRESSONIÈRES, Géraldine, Une cafétaria... trois étoiles, le magazine de la maison decors, 1979, nr 923, pages 52-60.
  • GABRIEL, Jean-Pierre, Ontwerper zonder papieren. Knack Weekend, 2002, pages 186-192.
  • GABRIEL, Jean-Pierre, Sweet sixties. Le Vif/L’Express, March 7, 2003, Weekend, pages 60-62.
  • LEGROS, Jacques, Christophe Gevers: A discrete and unsung genius, Graphius Magazine, Winter 2023. pages 44-47.
  • LE SAUX, Elsa, Signature singulière, Milk Habitation, nr 62, pages 98-107.
  • NARMON, F., Le nouveau siège social du Crédit communal de Belgique, Crédit communal de Belgique : Bulletin trimestriel, 1971, nr 95, pages 4-15.
  • POLASTRON, Lucien, St Cirq La Popie le 15 mars 1969, maisons d’hier et d’aujourd’hui, March 1969. nr 22, pages 42-50.
  • P., P., Le château de Saint Cirq-Lapopie / Lot, Architecture 68, July/August 1968, nr 84, pages 218-222.
  • TOEBAT, Maya, Het huis van de architect, en hoe dat te koesteren, De Standaard Magazine, February 10, 2024. 7 pages.

References

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  1. ^ GABRIEL, Jean-Pierre, Sweet sixties. ’’Le Vif/L’Express’’, March 7, 2003, Weekend, pages 60-62
  2. ^ "Ivan Dominique - Actor". IMDb. Retrieved 07-03-2024. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help); More than one of |website= and |periodical= specified (help).
  3. ^ Publication of his appointment in the Belgian Official Gazette: https://www.google.be/books/edition/Belgisch_staatsblad/BreCdELi37gC?hl=fr&gbpv=1&dq=%22Christophe+Gevers%22&pg=PA8160&printsec=frontcover Consulted March 20, 2024
  4. ^ The duration of his teaching at La Cambre (ENSAV) https://www.lacambre.be/fr/informations/equipements-et-materiel-1 Consulted March 20, 2024
  5. ^ GOVAERTS, Tessy, Christophe Gevers (1928-2007): Het metier als fundament voor interieur en design, Gent, Universiteit Gent, Faculteit Letteren en Wijsbegeerte, 2018. 230 pages. (Dutch)
  6. ^ Asko, ‘’L’Œil’’, mars 1967. nr 147, pages 72-77.
  7. ^ a b LOZE, Pierre, et Thierry AUGHUET, Christophe Gevers Designer, Bruxelles, Éditions d’Art Laconti, 2008. 152 pages. ISBN 978-2-8700804-2-9 (French)
  8. ^ HAEMERS, Erik, Christophe Gevers (1928-2007) Interieurarchitect & Designer, Antwerpen, Syntra, 2008. 188 pages. (Dutch)
  9. ^ a b c GABRIEL, Jean-Pierre, Christophe Gevers, Bruxelles, 2024. 432 pages, 500 pictures. ISBN 978-2-9602927-4-9
  10. ^ BORDES, Juan, et al., Toys of the Avant-Garde', Malaga: Fundacion Museo Picasso Málaga, 2010. 384 pages. ISBN 978-84-937233-6-1
  11. ^ crms.brussels, Etude de la valeur patrimoniale de l’aménagement intérieur et du mobilier (Christophe Gevers, 1971). [en ligne]. Brussels: Commission royale des monuments et sites, May 31, 2017. [Consulted on October 28, 2024]. Available on <https://crms.brussels/sites/default/files/avis/605/BXL22591_605_MarieJoseph.pdf>
  12. ^ Christophe Gevers, Architecture 59, 1959, nr 28, pages 218-219
  13. ^ a b c d e f g Région de Bruxelles-Capitale, Commerce et négoce, Sprimont (Belgique), Pierre Mardaga editor, 2003. 150 pages. ISBN 2-87009-847-2. Page 71 available online https://www.google.be/books/edition/Commerce_et_n%C3%A9goce/jY9R2NHEdqgC?hl=fr&gbpv=1&dq=%22Christophe+Gevers%22&pg=PA71&printsec=frontcover Consulted October 28, 2024
  14. ^ Le signe d'or. Le signe d’or=Het gouden kenteken=The golden signet=Das Goldzeichen=Il segno d’oro=El signo de oro, 1959. Bruxelles: Le signe d'or avec with the collaboration of the Belgian Foreign Trade Office (French, Dutch, English, German, Italian, Spanish)
  15. ^ The file of the TBA chair acquired by the King Baudouin Foundation in 2020 https://www.patrimoine-frb.be/collection/chaise-tba-de-christophe-gevers Consulted on October 28, 2024
  16. ^ Christophe Gevers, Architecture 59, 1959, nr 28, pages 216-217
  17. ^ Asko, ‘’L’Œil’’, March 1967. nr 147, page 73.
  18. ^ Asko, ‘’L’Œil’’, March 1967. nr 147, page 77.
  19. ^ NARMON, F., Le nouveau siège social du Crédit communal de Belgique, Crédit communal de Belgique : Bulletin trimestriel, 1971, nr 95, pages 4-15.
  20. ^ POLASTRON, Lucien, St Cirq La Popie le 15 mars 1969, ‘’maisons d’hier et d’aujourd’hui’’, March 1969. nr 22, pages 42-50.
  21. ^ P., P., Le château de Saint Cirq-Lapopie / Lot, Architecture 68, July-August 1968, nr 84, pages 218-222.
  22. ^ The restaurant of La Cambre (ENSAV) https://www.lacambre.be/fr/informations/equipements-et-materiel-1 Consulted on October 28, 2024
  23. ^ DES CRESSONIÈRES, Géraldine, Une cafétaria... trois étoiles, le magazine de la maison decors, 1979, nr 923, pages 52-60.
  24. ^ Un fast-food démocratique dans une atmosphère de luxe, le magazine de la maison decors, 1986, pages 130-135.
  25. ^ Info Ixelles, page 15 (page 25 of the pdf) http://www.elsene.irisnet.be/site/downloads/publications/infoxl-2001-2011/infoxl70.pdf Consulted on October 28, 2024
  26. ^ https://www.museumpassmusees.be/fr/offre/exposition/7d08a46c-8711-49ef-ba23-864fbcfc37e2/christophe-gevers-esquisses-et-plans Consulted on October 28, 2024
  27. ^ Presentation of the exhibition https://www.museumpassmusees.be/fr/offre/exposition/ab28863f-647b-4b50-a21a-cc066e86f593/christophe-gevers-larchitecture-du-detail Consulted on October 28, 2024
  28. ^ BOUVRY, Fanny, Gevers trouve tout, ‘’Le Vif’’, 2023, pages 6-49.
  29. ^ BOUVRY, Fanny. Het vergeten genie: wie was Christophe Gevers, een van onze meest getalenteerde interieurarchitecten? Knack Weekend. October 18 2023. Available online https://weekend.knack.be/lifestyle/design/het-vergeten-genie-wie-was-christophe-gevers-een-van-onze-meest-getalenteerde-interieurarchitecten/ Consulted on October 28, 2024
  30. ^ DEMEULEMEESTER, Thijs, Christophe Gevers is nooit tape-à-l’œil, ‘’De Tijd’’, September 30, 2023. Sabato, pages 104-110.
  31. ^ The press kit of the exhibition https://lacambre.be/medias/1699442247-fr-dp-gevers-v3.pdf Consulted on October 28, 2024
  32. ^ BOUVRY, Fanny. Qui est Christophe Gevers, génial inventeur et designer belge inconnu du grand public? Le Vif Weekend. Octobre 18, 2023. Available online https://weekend.levif.be/lifestyle/deco-design/createurs/qui-est-christophe-gevers-genial-inventeur-et-designer-belge-inconnu-du-grand-public/ Consulted on October 28, 2024

External Lnks

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ZAMBONI, Agnès, Christophe Gevers, l’anti-décorateur, L'Éventail. July 13, 2024, Brussels. [Consulted October 28, 2024]. Available online https://www.eventail.be/lifestyle/maison-et-decoration/christophe-gevers-anti-decorateur {{Liens}}

[[Category:Belgian designers]] [[Category:Contemporary art]] [[Category:Interior architecture]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Lighting design]] [[Category:Furniture designers]] [[Category:Self-taught]]

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