Emile Claus and co in the UK during World War I

Temporary exhibition on some well-known Belgian artists during World War I. Many of them fled to the UK during the war years. In this exhibition, through numerous photos of beautiful works of art, discover where these artists ended up and how war conditions affected their work.

One of the artists highlighted is Emile Claus, the famous luminist and Leie painter, born in Saint-Eloois-Vijve. After graduating from the Art Academy in Antwerp, he amazed the art world with several masterpieces, such as The Cock Fight and Beet Harvest. In 1914, however, he had to flee from his home in Astene to the UK, where, after some wanderings, he ended up in a small attic room along the banks of the Thames in London. From there, he created some beautiful paintings.

You will find out the full story of his war years in this fascinating exhibition.

Other artists featured in the expo are Gustave Van de Woestyne, Valerius De Saedeleer, George Minne and Albert Baertsoen.