Meet the collector: Frédéric de Haan

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am the managing director of an insurance company in Belgium called Vander Haeghen, specialising in artworks, luxury cars, houses and events. I have been working for the company for the past 20 years now. Our solutions are aimed at those who like to have tailor-made services suit their needs, highlighted in our motto: ‘The art of insuring passions’.

Throughout the years I have had the chance to insure many impressive art collections. Belgium has a plethora of collectors, not just art, but all sorts of fascinating things, including; watches, cameras and even stamps!

How did you get into collecting art?  What inspires you to buy art?

My passion for art started with my love for comic strips as a child. I was fascinated by Tintin and went on to discover different styles and series’ of comics like Thorgal and Largo Winch. In university I began collecting comics and some original drawings from the illustrators.

After a while I started visiting exhibitions and fairs. I went to Brussels Art Fair, Brafa, for the first time around 12 years ago and was so amazed by its beautiful stands and the treasures that you could find there. My other top two most magical places include: The Hergé Museum in Louvain-la-Neuve for its stunning architecture and extensive collection and Autoworld in Brussels because of their fascinating car collection.

What I like about art is that every artwork tells a story. I have four children and when they were little I enjoyed telling them bedtime stories, they were so curious and absorbed by the stories. I have the same feeling with art. When I meet an artist I love hearing about their life and the stories behind each of their artworks. I tend to say that when we talk about art we are like children. It’s just that the stories are different.

You added to your collection at the most recent edition of Affordable Art Fair Brussels, could you tell us a little about the artworks you bought? 

I bought several artworks from different artists at this year’s Affordable Art Fair Brussels. Most of them are hanging here in our offices. My favourite artist at this year’s fair was Stefan Bleekrode, represented by Warnars & Warnars Art Dealers. I am amazed by the detail in his work and that there is no mistake in it. I have bought 3 artworks by Stefan and I have also been lucky enough to meet him in person. My second favourite artist that I discovered during the fair was Sanne Terweij, represented by Rep Ringel Art. I bought 4 small pieces from her called ‘New Day Rising’.

Another artist from who I bought a work from at the Brussels fair was Philippe Witman, represented by Answer to a wall. He invents his own symbols in his paintings. And last but not least is a sculpture by Ulrike Balkau, represented by Frock Gallery. I like that the artist has used bits and pieces of several objects to create this work: an old milk jug, a piece of a car-wheel, a coffee box and some concrete. I found it really magical from the moment I saw it.

I have been visiting Affordable Art Fair for a few years now and love being that there are also a lot artists present during the fair. I enjoy having direct conversations with each artist and hear their stories behind the artworks.

Where do you hang the artworks that you acquire?

I have artworks at home but also here at our offices of Vander Haeghen. I mostly choose the artworks and my wife always finds the perfect spot to hang them. I also have a small storage space at home where I have hung around 20 artworks. I like to swap some of the artworks from time to time. After a day of work, looking at the artworks in my collection calms me down.

What’s your favourite artwork in your collection and why?  

My favourite artwork will be the next one that I acquire. This is indirectly a compliment to all the artworks that I have in my collection as it means that all of them were at some point my favourite. I don’t really have one absolute favourite as I would never buy an artwork that I do not like.

But I can say that my all time favourite artists are Hergé, Fred Eerdekens, Jean-Michel Folon and Hanneke Beaumont. What I really like about Fred Eerdekens’ work is the magic between words and light. Regarding Hanneke Beaumont’s work, I’m seduced by the discrete presence of these neutral characters who are neither men or women. Folon’s artwork leads the viewer on a poetic and dreamlike journey. My top artist of this year is Stefan Bleekrode for the attention to detail that he gives to his drawings.

What tips would you give to a new collector? 

When you buy an artwork that you like, you please yourself and the artist. For someone who wants to discover the art world, Affordable Art Fair is the perfect place. One feels at ease and comfortable to ask questions to the gallerists.

Another piece advice would be to dare. Dare to ask for a price, dare to ask for information. There is a beginning for everything. Buy with your heart and of course also with the means that you have. In life you need to sometimes take some risks and to make a choice. The consequences of acquiring an artwork are happiness and escape.

A huge thank you to Frédéric for letting us get an insight on his beautiful art collection.