Building
© IRPA-KIK, Brussels
Avenue Jean Volders 48 and Rue Vanderschrick 25 (1971).
Avenue Jean Volders 48 and Rue Vanderschrick 25 (1971).
Ch. Bastin & J. Evrard © urban.brussels
All the façades, Rue Vanderschrick 20 and previous (photo ca 1990)
All the façades, Rue Vanderschrick 20 and previous (photo ca 1990)
The architect and entrepreneur Ernest Blérot developed this incredible construction project, comprising 15 Art Nouveau buildings near the Parvis de Saint-Gilles, at the request of a rich widow, Mrs Elsom. While ensuring overall unity of style, Blérot designed each façade in a different manner, showing a great deal of skill.
Learn more
Inventory of architectural heritage
Admire the variety of shapes used by Blérot, the diversity of the curves, arches, bretèches and balconies. Each house has at least one wrought iron balcony and very often a bow window as well; however, these are positioned at different heights.
The homogeneity of the materials ties the whole ensemble together, often thanks to blue stone structures set against backgrounds of light-coloured bricks or white stone.
Each façade has its own sgraffiti decorations, which depict a variety of blooming flowers.
The layout of these houses remains traditional, with two or three adjoining rooms on each floor. However, the entrance halls are often better appointed and show the architect’s Art Nouveau touch. The internal doors that separate the entrance hall from the stairwell feature lovely curves. The idea was that when a front door opened onto the street, passers-by should be able to assume that all the interiors were as rich as the façades…
In 1911, the daughter of the widow, Mrs Elsom, arranged for a function room to be built within the block. This room must have been splendid, because it was designed entirely by Blérot himself. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 1974. In its place today, you will find a pleasant garden, which is open to the public.
Nearby
By the same architect
Learn more
Inventory of architectural heritage
Admire the variety of shapes used by Blérot, the diversity of the curves, arches, bretèches and balconies. Each house has at least one wrought iron balcony and very often a bow window as well; however, these are positioned at different heights.
The homogeneity of the materials ties the whole ensemble together, often thanks to blue stone structures set against backgrounds of light-coloured bricks or white stone.
Each façade has its own sgraffiti decorations, which depict a variety of blooming flowers.
The layout of these houses remains traditional, with two or three adjoining rooms on each floor. However, the entrance halls are often better appointed and show the architect’s Art Nouveau touch. The internal doors that separate the entrance hall from the stairwell feature lovely curves. The idea was that when a front door opened onto the street, passers-by should be able to assume that all the interiors were as rich as the façades…
In 1911, the daughter of the widow, Mrs Elsom, arranged for a function room to be built within the block. This room must have been splendid, because it was designed entirely by Blérot himself. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 1974. In its place today, you will find a pleasant garden, which is open to the public.
