The Mécénat d’artisans project was born in 2020 out of a shared desire to demonstrate the extent to which the expertise of heritage craftspeople is essential to safeguarding our heritage. Craftsmanship, expertise and know-how deserve to be better known, appreciated and passed on. All too often, our heritage is subjected to methods that take too little account of the quality of the materials, the original techniques and the specific features of the properties being restored.

The aim of the project is to raise awareness among owners of historic homes and encourage them to call on qualified professionals in each field, the only people who can guarantee not only the quality of the work but also its durability.

The project aims to facilitate dialogue between craftsmen with experience in different fields and owners of historic homes.

Craftsmen registered with the UAP are generously offering to provide a maximum of 40 hours of expertise or restoration work for unlisted properties belonging to members of Demeures Historiques & Jardins de Belgique. The properties to be restored are selected by a jury made up of craftsmen, members of the UAP and the DHJB, and other experts.

Here are the generous patrons who have already participated in this project:

Michel Ciselet: Restoration of stuccowork.
Emmanuel Henry de Frahan: Cabinet-making.
Donatienne Lurquin: Hand-crafted gilding with gold leaf.
Guy Provencher: Restoration of antique parquet floors.
Diego Marcos y Rodriguez: Façade cleaning.
Steven and Brecht Dujardyn: Ironworkers.
François Pedgen: Insulation and restoration of old window frames.
Sylvie Van Der Kelen: Restoration of faux marble and faux wood
Laurent Lachèze : Upholsterer
Marianne de Will : Faux marbre
Olivier Jamsin : Ornaments restorer