Unique objects and collections from World War I on the List of masterpieces.
In the context of the Flemish Masterpiece Decree and at the request of the Flemish government, The Institute for Public History (IPG) has developed a sample list of masterpieces of First World War heritage. On the initiative of the Flemish Minister of Culture, Joke Schauvliege, six objects and seven collections from this list have been recognized as masterpieces. They have conditionally been included in the masterpiece list which is the fits step towards to conservation. The definitive inclusion into the list will take place in 9 months. In total the Masterpiece list will include 428 individual objects and 45 collections.
Masterpiece decree
The Masterpiece decree states that the cultural heritage that is of special archeological, historical, cultural, artistic and scientific value for the Flemish Community, must be preserved. Cultural objects on the Masterpieces list are perceived as rare and essential for the Flemish Community. The protection of these objects as heritage has a number of consequences for the owner: One can only transport these objects outside of Flanders with the permission of the Flemish government. If the owner of the object plans to transport it outside of Flanders permanently, the Flemish government can intervene on the condition that it makes an offer to buy the object at international market value.
Former Flemish minister of culture Joke Schauvliege: “100 years since the ‘Great War’ will be commemorated throughout Flanders through a number of initiatives. And this is the right thing to do, because the horrors of the war should may never be forgotten. Much War-patrimony is conserved and cherished by private individuals, but also it is also conserved, studied and made accessible to the public in museum and archives. A team of experts selected six objects and seven collections for inclusion in the masterpieces list. The extra protection that is given to the items in the masterpieces list will ensure that these rare and unique testaments to the First World War in Flanders will never be lost.”
Overview of First World War Masterpieces
These are the six objects and seven collections that will be included in the master piece list.
Objects
- Kaart met integraal traject van de ‘Dodendraad’.
- Oorlogsdagboek 1914-1918 van Virginie Loveling.
- Oorlogsdagboek 1914-1928 “De Oorlog in Dickebusch en omstreken’ van Achiel Van Walleghem.
- The ultimatuom of general Max von Boehn for the surrender of the city of Dendermonde on the 4th of September, 1914.
- Two photographs of the execution of the soldier Alois Wulpy on the 3rd of June, 1918.
- Painting ‘The Strafing’ by Christopher Richard Wynne Nevinson, 1916.
Collections
- Antony d’Ypres collection of photographs ca. 1893-1940.
- Eight decorated flour bags from the Commission for Relief in Belgium, 1914-1917.
- Dossier concerning an inquiry by Huib Hoste about the respiration of the Lakenhal in Ypres.
- Photo archive of the Kregsalbum von Gent.
- ‘The dead rise. Infernal resurrection.’ Seven woodcuttings by Frans Masereel, 1917.
- 'Mission Dhuicque’ collection of photographs and plans, 1915-1919.
- Collection ‘Legacy of Lou Tseng-Tsiang: Peace negotiations Versailles.’
Organization
The study initiative ‘Sample list of masterpieces of First World War heritage’ was coordinated by Ruben Mantels and was written by the Art and Heritage Agency. Scientific collaborator Tessa Boeykens visited the heritage institutions and the private collectors and applied the selection criteria to the cultural heritage in their possession. She also consulted experts from Ghent University including Antoon Vrints, Bruno De Wever and Giselle Nath.
Duration: January until September 2013.
Contact
Ruben.Mantels@UGent.be
More information on the Masterpiece decree and the items from World War I can be found on www.topstukken.be and the website of the Art and Heritage Agency.