Since the beginning of the 20th century, Vanhalst-Larridon has been a family of creative entrepreneurs.

Until the age of 33, Camille Larridon lives with his parents, where he builds a small workshop behind the house. From 1945, he starts making his own furniture in an old barn previously used for processing flax. The warmth of the house seems more suitable for varnishing, so he decides to finish most of his pieces at the kitchen table. In 1950, Camille builds a new workshop and opens a store.

Soon after World War I, Pierre Vanhalst makes a living as a photographer. Several of his sons follow in his footsteps. But not Lieven Vanhalst. Together with his wife, Jenny Larridon, he settles in Izegem in 1968 and establishes a pastry shop. They know few people in this town, and to attract young couples, they decide to expand their assortment with birth gifts.

In the 1990s, the shop evolved into a wholesaler for wedding, birth, and other small celebratory gifts. As creative entrepreneurship was always passed down to the next generation, Sophie and Frank - brother and sister - joined in 2001. They launched the brand Objects by Vanhalst®, which represents the transition from traditional wholesale to consumer-oriented product development and the launch of their own collection of small gifts.

In 2015, Vanhalst introduced the brand Atelier Pierre®, thereby entering the international design market. Under this brand name, young Belgian designers are given the opportunity to design their very first series of 'living accessories'.

And for clarity, the name does indeed refer to the business activities of two impressive grandfathers: Camille Larridon & Pierre Vanhalst. 'Atelier' perfectly describes the environment we want to create for budding designers. It refers to craftsmanship, conception and skills. 'Pierre' adds character and authenticity. Atelier Pierre is therefore a strong and elegant brand rooted in tradition and craftsmanship.

With the official license to work with the iconic Miffy, the foundations were laid for AP Junior®, an adorable series of kids' accessories and gifts.

Respect for the environment

In 2009, Vanhalst's business premises were awarded the "Quality Business Premises in West Flanders" label. The values of the Vanhalst family are therefore very clearly reflected in the design of the business premises. Not only are creativity, simplicity, and functionality paramount, but the focus is also on care for people, the environment, budget, and tradition.

To emphasize the importance of this care, Vanhalst also signed the "West Flanders Charter for Sustainable Entrepreneurship" in 2011. In doing so, a company makes a voluntary commitment to proactively work on specific themes. This charter is a tool to structure policy around sustainable entrepreneurship and forms the driving force for continuous improvement of environmental, social and economic performance.

That sustainable entrepreneurship is always at the top of the agenda is proven by the creation of the “life forest” of 1,000 poplars (short rotation coppice - SRC) on the site next to the company building. This commitment also fits perfectly within the framework of a continuous pursuit of a balanced attention to the economic and social impact of doing business, as well as to the ecological consequences. Since the beginning of 2019, 80,000 new “bee” employees in that life forest have also ensured increased biodiversity in our environment.