Beauty Singular Plural

It is difficult to compete with the beauty of trees, with their tall grandeur and high tops. And yet, the ambition of the Parckdesign project call lies in the challenge to use urban furniture to emphasise the age-old bond between man and nature, between his artificial interventions and his relationship with plants and flora. Placed in a contemporary context, park furniture expresses the desire to experiment, to test, and to value and discover green spaces in a quest for a more specific identity.

Throughout the centuries, silverware has been a source of inspiration for many artists. Religious silverware raised the profession to unprecedented heights, but in the course of the 20th century commissions became scarce. More and more studios had to close their doors and monumental silverwork soon disappeared into the background. Gradually, training also left something to be desired. Father Rob and son Jaap Thalen’s dream is to make the very best again: objects, utensils and works of art in silver such as have been hard to find for a long time. Monumental creations for which both the old craftsmanship and the most advanced techniques are required. Their designs take shape in Francorchamps, Belgium, and are appreciated worldwide.