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Frans Van Haelen (1872-1939) was also a well known cultural figure in his time, a patron of the arts and benefactor to the pre-war artist group later known as the Brabant FauvistsFauves. This group assembled at the brewery, and worked in a loft above the Cafe Les 3 Pigeons across the street from the brewery. A private gallery was constructed inside the brewery, and Van Haelen's home was full of fine art and antiquities. Van Haelen was a friend of famous Belgian artist James Ensor, and several Ensor paintings were seen hanging inside the brewery before it was demolished in 1971 to build a Delhaize supermarket. Van Haelen also sponsored the restoration of the castle in Beersel from 1928-1939. He was said to be the richest man in Beersel before the second world war.