Paul De Grande and Niels Destadsbader Collaborate for Charity Auction on ‘Pieces of People’
Belgian antiquarian Paul De Grande recently participated in a special collaboration with Niels Destadsbader on the popular Play4 television program, ‘Stukken van Mensen’ (Pieces of People), to auction a unique artwork for charitable purposes. Destadsbader successfully convinced two dealers, including De Grande, to donate a piece for the benefit auction.
De Grande’s Background and Expertise
Paul De Grande, born in Bruges, Belgium on May 4, 1949, is a self-taught antiquarian and media personality. He gained prominence in Flanders in 2016 as a “dealer” on ‘Stukken van Mensen.’ De Grande began collecting antiques at the age of 17, initially purchasing items from scrap metal dealers to resell to other antiquarians. He opened his first shop in Adegem in 1968, and subsequently expanded his business, acquiring antiques from England for resale in Belgium.
A Legacy in Antiques
In 1974, De Grande purchased the De Boeverie castle in Snellegem, which served as a showroom for his extensive collection of antique furniture, sculptures, and decorative objects for 49 years. His specialization lies in furniture, tapestries, sculptures, and decorative items from the 16th to the 19th centuries, particularly the “Haute Epoque” (the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the 17th century). De Grande’s collection includes items in bronze, marble, and wood, and he ships worldwide.
‘Stukken van Mensen’ and Charitable Initiatives
De Grande primarily operates as a wholesaler of art, catering to a clientele of antiquarians, decorators, and high-net-worth individuals. His participation in ‘Stukken van Mensen’ since 2016 has broadened his customer base to include private collectors. Destadsbader’s recent collaboration with De Grande involved auctioning a piece to raise funds for charity, demonstrating a commitment to philanthropic endeavors within the art world.
Recent Developments
In 2022, De Grande sold his castle in Snellegem, along with a portion of its contents. He continues to operate in the antiques trade, leveraging his decades of experience and established network.