BRAFA 2026 welcomes the King Baudouin Foundation as guest of honour in an edition that reinforces the link between the art market and the preservation of cultural heritage. The institution presents two works on loan to the DIVA museum in Antwerp, which specialises in jewellery and related arts, at a dedicated stand. Both pieces are part of the Foundation’s collection and are kept at DIVA, the centre responsible for their restoration and safekeeping.
One of the works on display is Boules des deux côtés d’un carré (1968), a gold bracelet created by Belgian artist Pol Bury. The piece, which is 6 cm high and 6.2 cm wide, was acquired by the Foundation in 2025 thanks to the Christian Bauwens Fund and remains on deposit at the DIVA museum. Its presence at the fair allows for further dialogue between contemporary artistic creation and craftsmanship linked to precious metal design.
The second piece is an enamelled owl made in Antwerp between 1548 and 1568, crafted from crocodile skin, silver and gilded silver. Measuring 17 cm in height, the work is classified as a masterpiece by the Flemish Community. Acquired by the King Baudouin Foundation in 2002, the owl is regularly exhibited at DIVA, where it is preserved as an example of Flemish Renaissance production in the decorative arts.
The participation of the King Baudouin Foundation in BRAFA 2026 highlights its work in protecting significant elements of Belgian heritage, as well as the role of the DIVA museum in the management and conservation of collections of gold and silverware and jewellery. The presence of both institutions at the fair helps to strengthen the relationship between the cultural sector and the market specialising in decorative arts and historical pieces.
BRAFA invites visitors from Sunday 25 January to Sunday 1 February 2026, at Brussels Expo, from 11:00 to 19:00.
