January 17, 2017
In Klundert, Amsterdam, a beautiful church was built circa 1870. The masons at that time chose a gorgeous Belgian bluestone paver that would symmetrically align in color with their ancient Greek influenced golden Corinthian columns. With exquisite taste, I imagine the architect knew that in Mazy, Belgium existed the Mazy stone quarry. This quarry was renowned for Belgian bluestone, the rich black blue Belgian bluestone that would offset magnificently the gold crowns of the the church's columns.
Since 1870, when the church's doors were open to the faithful people of Klundert, Amsterdam, each whispered footstep that entered embarked on a soul's journey. The shear beauty and simplicity of this church uplifted their spirits to divine powers of joy and song. For nearly 150 years, parishioners defined this church as their own and in doing so, in their earnestness, created something magnificent to those who love antique materials...patina.
The patina of a material is cherished. It's in the patina of antique material that tells the story. One can imagine the stories of births and deaths, marriages and prayer that define the patina of this church stone floor.
As purveyors of antique Belgian bluestone, it's always with mixed emotions when we embark on a reclamation of such magnificent material. The why of removing these beautiful stone floors from this church is a question of which we have no answer. The answer lies beyond us in the realm of others. What we do know is that this occurrence is a rare event, like finding a pearl in an oyster. 5000 square feet of 150 year old Noir de Mazy with a rich satin patina like that of an old looking glass is a feat of luck and perseverance - for this recuperation is just not handed down to anyone.
The question remains...who will open up the next chapter in the life of this magnificent antique Belgian bluestone flooring?
To view the collection and specs, you may click here.
Thank you for your time,
Emmi Micallef,Comments will be approved before showing up.
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The history of European interior design will forever include two hand made wall tile collections about which I am passionate: Delft Tiles and the tiles made famous by Claude Monet's kitchen. In my blog, I discuss the history of Delft and Monet's tile - showcasing their similarities and differences. Both are authentically historic and add elegance from kitchen backsplashes and fireplace surrounds to primary baths. At Historic Decorative Materials, we source antique materials - from French limestone and oak flooring to Belgian bluestone and reclaimed terra cotta tiles. I felt it was essential to offer as well, a Delft and Monet tile collection not only for their sheer beauty, but historic accuracy when paired with antique materials. As an artist, I jumped at the chance to hand paint our own Monet and Delft Tile Collections for our company. In this blog, I highlight these collections, how we make them and pair them with our antique materials, elevating interiors into a timeless, historic, European elegance.
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