Dining Table attributed to Alfred Hendrickx for Belform, 1960s

1960s

Belgium

Wenge and chrome

232cm/172cm wide, 90cm deep, 76cm high

Alfred Hendrickx (b.1931, Mechelen) emerged as a prominent designer during the dynamic period of the 1950s and 1960s. Celebrated for his influential contributions to the world of design, Hendrickx left an indelible mark, earning him the title of one of Europe’s most important post-war designers.

Hendrickx gained widespread recognition for his work with Belform, showcased at the Expo '58. Alongside renowned contemporaries such as Willy Van Der Meeren, Jos De Mey, and Lucien Engels, he stood out as one of the era's preeminent designers. His initial foray into furniture design commenced at the Van Fleteren company, founded by his grandfather Eugéne van Fleteren.

Hendrickx's career took root at De Coene Frères, where he crafted modern, functional furniture before moving on to Belform. It was at Belform that he achieved great success, creating a collection of furniture in exotic woods that garnered widespread acclaim.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Hendrickx lent his creative prowess to Belgian Bovenkamp, where he designed numerous pieces in teak and mahogany. His signature style was characterized by elegant simplicity, meticulous attention to detail, and the use of high-quality materials. Hendrickx's designs found a wide audience in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, solidifying his influence on the European design scene.

The legacy of Alfred Hendrickx endures through the timeless appeal of his creations. His furniture, known for its sleek lines and modernist aesthetic, has transcended its era, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of retro design. Today, Hendrickx's works, showcased prominently in the Design Museum Ghent, stand as emblematic examples of the Belgian modernist style, serving as a testament to his enduring impact on the world of design. In 2000, Mil De Kooning further immortalized Hendrickx's contributions with the publication of "Contemporary Design - Alfred Hendrickx and the Fifties Furniture in Belgium."