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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 Fauves. This group included the artists Rik Wouters (1882-1916) and Felix De Boeck (1898-1995). They assembled at the brewery, and also 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.
The tram stop in Calevoet near the former brewery site is named Van Haelen in honor of the former lambic brewery and local heritage.
* [https://ucclensia.be/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Ucclensia-252.pdf "Brouwerijen te Ukkel: Van Haelen, “La Poule”, Merlo", Raf Meurisse, Ucclensia No. 252, Nov. 2014, p. 12-13.]
* [https://docplayer.nl/13247038-14-55-verjaardagskaarsjes-voor-chiro-sjoen-6-7-wandelen-en-toerisme-in-de-regio-3-4-beperkte-parkeertijd-op-gemeenteplein-en-dapperensquare.html "Then and now: François Van Haelen and the Brabant Fauves" Urbaan De Becker, Sjoenke, May 2008, p. 10-11.]
* [http://www.lambic.info/images/1/19/TWEE-EEUWEN-BIERCULTUUR.pdf "Two Centuries of Beer Culture in the Senne Valley" exhibition guide, Provincie Vlaams-Brabant dienst erfgoed, 2016, p. 11-13.]
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[[Category: Lambic Breweries and Blenders (Closed)]]