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Frans Van Haelen was well known as a cultural figure in his time, a patron of the arts and benefactor to the pre-war artist group later known as the ''Brabant Fauves. '' This group included the artists Rik Wouters (1882-1916), Louis Thevenet (1874-1930), and Felix De Boeck (1898-1995). Flemish author Herman Teirlinck (1879-1967) was also associated with the group, also known as the "Calevoeters". With Teirlinck, he also co-chaired ''De Eendracht,'' a local theater group in Linkebeek. The artists often assembled at the brewer's home, and worked in a loft above the Cafe Les 3 Pigeons across the street from the brewery. This space was provided by Van Haelen along with ample food and libations, and crates of gueuze were sometimes exchanged for artworks. A private gallery was constructed inside the brewery, and Van Haelen's home was full of fine art and antiquities. Van Haelen was also a friend of famous Belgian artist James Ensor (1860-1949), several of his paintings were even hanging inside the brewery before it was demolished in 1971.