Ward Rombaut’s stickers arrive on the ‘Thuis’ set
Flemish television viewers may soon spot a series of unofficial, satirical stickers hidden within the sets of the long-running soap opera At home. Ward Rombaut, a 27-year-old creator from Bruges known for placing absurd stickers on public trains, has expanded his project to the VRT production set in Herent. According to Newspaper, the stickers include messages such as “Please do not share confidential information with Nancy” and “Maximum one extramarital child per person.”
The collaboration began after the show’s writers noticed Rombaut’s previous work, which included a sticker on a first-class train carriage dedicated to the character Marianne Bastiaens. Rombaut, who has followed the series since childhood, was invited to contribute to a writers’ brainstorming session. During the event, he proposed his sticker concepts as a humorous addition to the decor. The production team approved the idea, and Rombaut spent time placing the messages throughout the sets, including the loft of characters Peter and Christine and the area near Bar Madam.
Stickers behind the scenes at VRT
The intervention is not limited to the on-screen sets. Rombaut also placed stickers in the costume department, including a warning that reads, “Please do not visibly gain or lose weight without permission from the screenwriters.”
VRT spokesperson Ira Stevaert confirmed the network’s support for the project, noting that the stickers are intended to remain in place. Because there is approximately a three-month delay between filming and broadcast, viewers can expect to see these additions appearing in episodes in the coming months. Rombaut acknowledged the challenge for viewers, noting that the camera does not frequently zoom in on background objects like coffee machines.
Sticker interventions at VTM
Rombaut’s work has also appeared outside of the VRT campus. Recently, he placed a sticker on a post outside the VTM building following comments made by Herman Brusselmans on the talk show Happy Hour, where the author claimed that “most women are not harassed.” Rombaut’s sticker featured the text: “Warning: your sense of insecurity can be called into question here.”
The creator noted that he frequently works for VTM and chose to place the sticker outside the building rather than inside to avoid potential conflict. This follows a history of unconventional projects by Rombaut, who has previously mailed T-shirts inside hollowed-out watermelons and pans.
Frequently asked questions about the stickers
Will these stickers be visible in every episode?
No. The stickers are placed in background locations such as the loft, Bar Madam, and the costume department. Because the show’s cameras rarely focus on these specific areas, they may be difficult to spot.
Is there a specific timeline for when these stickers will appear on screen?
VRT spokesperson Ira Stevaert stated that viewers might begin seeing the stickers in episodes within three months. This timeframe accounts for the standard production delay between the recording of scenes and their final broadcast.
Has Rombaut worked on other television sets?
Yes. Rombaut has created stickers related to VTM programming, including a message placed outside the VTM building that referenced a controversial statement made by Herman Brusselmans on the talk show Happy Hour.
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