Until the age of 33, Camille Larridon lives with his parents, where he builds a little workspace behind the house. As of 1945, he starts manufacturing his own furniture in an old shed that was used for dressing flax. The warmth of the house seems to suit better for varnishing, which is why he decides to finish most of his pieces at the kitchen table. In 1950, Camille builds a new workspace and opens a store.

Pierre Vanhalst earns a living as a photographer right after the First World War. Several of his sons follow in his footsteps. But not Lieven Vanhalst. Together with his wife, Jenny Larridon, he settles down in Izegem in 1968 and establishes a pastry shop. They know little people in this town and to attract young couples, they decide to enlarge their range by adding birth gifts.

In the 90’s, the shop evolves into a wholesale business for wedding, birth or any other small party gifts. Given creative entrepreneurship was always passed on to the next generation, both Sophie and Frank – brother & sister - join the business in 2001. They launch the brand Objects by Vanhalst®, which represents the transition from traditional wholesale to consumer-focused product development and the launch of their own small gifts’ collection. In 2015 Vanhalst introduces Atelier Pierre®, accessing the international design market. Under this brand name, young Belgian designers get the opportunity to conceive their very first range of ‘living accessories’.

And for the record, the name does refer to the business activity of two impressive grandfathers: Camille Larridon & Pierre Vanhalst. ‘Atelier’ perfectly describes the environment we wish to establish for designers who are just starting out. It hints at craftsmanship, conception, and skills. ‘Pierre’ adds character and authenticity. Atelier Pierre is therefore a strong and elegant brand that is rooted in tradition and workmanship.

With the official licence to work with the iconic figurine of miffy, the fundamentals were born for AP Junior®, a cute series of kids accessories and gifts.

Atelier pierre - The Building

Atelier Pierre "The Building" will soon open its doors! A brand new project consisting of 6 business spaces, each with an office in a central office environment. Under the brand name Atelier Pierre, Vanhalst gives young Belgian designers the opportunity to design their FIRST collection of unique living accessories in a dynamic business environment that exudes craftsmanship, creativity and authenticity. 

Now we also want to translate this into an inspiring physical environment. The aim is to create a co-working space where creative entrepreneurs get a push to realise their dreams. 

Interested in becoming part of the AP family? Call us on 056/43.10.00 or contact Jasper at Dewaele Kortrijk on 056/21.11.11. 

More info can be found here: www.dewaele.com

In 2009, the Vanhalst company building was awarded the ‘Quality Industrial Buildings of West Flanders’ certification mark. The Vanhalst family values are clearly reflected in the design of the building. Not only are creativity, simplicity, and functionality important, there is also a focus on the consideration for people, the environment, budget, and tradition.

In order to emphasize the extent of their involvement, Vanhalst also signed the ‘West Flemish Charter for Sustainable Enterprise’. For this, a company voluntarily commits to work proactively on specific topics. This charter is a tool for adding structure to a sustainable enterprise policy, and it is the driving force for a continuous improvement of environmental, social, and economic achievements.

The creation of a ‘life forest’ with 1,000 poplars (short rotation wood) on the grounds adjacent to the company building proves the fact that sustainable enterprise is at the top of the agenda. This commitment fits in perfectly with the continuous pursuit of a well-balanced concern for the economic and social impact of entrepreneurship as well as for the ecological consequences.