Saw Antwerp in 1860 out: historic photo collection is being restored

Antwerp The 79 glass plates of photographer Edmond Fierlants from the period 1860-1864, in the FelixArchief be saved, to be refurbished. The collection is extremely rare and is therefore included in the list of masterpieces of the Flemish government.

In 1860, won Edmond Fierlants (1819-1869) a very important contract in the waiting. The city of Antwerp asked him to all the major buildings and monuments to photograph. The photos give a unique view of the city because the city just at that moment a critical change process. In addition, immortalized Fierlants also the oldest part of the town that twenty years later when the rechttrekking of the scheldt quays beyond recognition would change.

The collection of photographs of Edmond Fierlants has 158 different images. There were also 79 glass kept. These glass plates form a unique collection, not only by the number of panes of glass, but also by their large size. Since 2012 belongs to the collection of officially to our movable cultural heritage and is recognized as a " Flemish masterpiece’.

The Flemish government is prepared to the maximum of 80 percent between to be eligible for the restoration of the glass plates. The Antwerp schepencollege has the contract drafted and approved.