The Story of a Style

Axel Vervoordt's taste spans centuries and civilisations. His wide-ranging inspirations have had a profound influence on a generation of interior designers and art dealers. His knowledge and tireless curiosity about the history of fine and applied arts has led him to create spaces which are defined by the juxtaposition of objects from vastly different eras and cultures. He's a creator of atmosphere above all else. This is one of the reasons he's become known as one of the most original and adventurous dealers, designers and collectors of the present moment.

Featuring Axel's own words and personal photographs, this book reveals a singular talent for creating unique and beautiful interiors in which he aims to "make people happy." Through a visual and textual history, the book shows the interiors of the family's Castle of 's-Gravenwezel and the company's headquarters known as Kanaal, a restored industrial site on the banks of the Albert Canal, among many others.

The stories he shares begin with his childhood influences and the trips he took as a teenager alone to England, searching for treasures and discoveries. An adventurous life story and an ambition to live surrounded by beautiful things led him to discover the Vlaeykensgang (a medieval street full of 15th and 16th century houses) and build his company from these historic spaces. As the company grew, he began to share his vision on collecting extraordinary furnishings, art and objects at major international art and design fairs. Originally published in 2001, this book is an indispensable introduction to the Vervoordt story and vision.