Abbey Affligem
Abbey Affligem has a huge history. Monks live and worship since
1062 at Affligem. The abbey was destroyed and rebuild
several times. The last time in 1870. A neo-gothic abbey was build at the remains of the ancient abbey. Only the most
western parts are medieval.
In 1924 Dom
Bellot was asked to make plans for a extension of the
abbey. He designed a monastery which included the existing neo-gothic chapel.
It was too expensive and many monks were surprised by the rich colours he
proposed. Only the refectory (dining-room) is implemented in the existing neo-gothic
building. The windows were made in the wall and the arches support a new floor
with bedrooms for the monks. The design is signed by architect Stassin, but it shows Bellot is responsible for most of the
idea. Also a design was made for the abbey cemetery in 1929. This was created
according plans.
The Dutch
architect Kropholler would ultimately extend the
abbey in a sober style in 1932-1934.
design front north Affligem, dom Bellot |
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design plan, the refectory is at the right of the centre |
design for the abbey cemetery, May 1929 |
The only thing is in the
style of Bellot in this abbey was built the refectory
(dining room). The
walls of the refectory are painted
white, probably to make the
contrast with the formal language of Kropholler less
significant. The arches carry a floor, where
cells for the
monks have been made. The arches are
open. The pulpit is still there and is still used. The chandeliers are original,
although they were years in the attic area. The windows are broken into the neo-Gothic exterior.
They are
similar to the
windows placed in Wisques abbey.
Originally equipped with yellow glass,
now filled
with clear glass.
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Photos: a.w.a. lukassen
and a.a. lukassen, august
2011
plans: archive abdij affligem