img: Stairway of Tassel House, Brussels – Henry Townsend – PD.

Victor Horta is a famous Belgian architect who was one of the earliest instigators and herald of the modern movement of Art Nouveau architecture, and he left an indeleble mark in Brussels’ appearance. The stylistic revolution represented by these works is characterised by their open plan, diffusion and transformation of light throughout the construction, the creation of a decor that brilliantly illustrates the curved lines of decoration embracing the structure of the building, the use of new materials (steel and glass), and the introduction of modern technical utilities. Through the rational use of the metallic structures, often visible or subtly dissimulated, Victor Horta conceived flexible, light and airy living areas, directly adapted to the personality of their inhabitants.

He died in 1947, so his work becomes public domain 1/1/2018. A score of Brussels’ cultural institutions have teamed up to celebrate Victor Horta from every angle, bringing a line-up of activities of unprecedented quality and quantity linked to this famous architect to look forward to throughout 2018: exhibitions, guided tours, educational activities, organised activities and more.

Among those, Photoconsortium member KIK-IRPA is celebrating this artist by opening up a collection of ca. 1.500 photos of the institution’s database. The dedicated website is launched since 1st of January.

Visit KIK-IRPA’s collection on Horta’s works to discover his masterpieces, including the long disappeared Maison du Peuple, Hôtel Aubecq and Salle Cousin.  http://balat.kikirpa.be/horta/