Tapestry Entrepreneur - The Art of Commerce

Delve into the life and work of Pieter Van Verren, a tapestry entrepreneur from 17th-century Oudenaarde. With his craftsmanship and sharp business acumen, he helped the town grow into an international hub for tapestry production. This exhibition brings authentic tapestries back to their town of origin, complemented by unique archive documents, letters and paintings. At the same time, you’ll discover how surprising it is how recognisable entrepreneurship from that era remains today.  

A prominent figure in a flourishing 17th century
For Oudenaarde, the 17th century marked a golden age as an international centre for tapestry production, driven by a wide-reaching network of makers and traders. At the heart of this network stood Pieter Van Verren (1640–1709). As a scion of a respected tapestry-making family and a versatile entrepreneur, he combined various roles: tapestry designer, employer, merchant and city councillor. He commissioned production in and around Oudenaarde, coordinated collaborations with artists and weavers, and sold his tapestries far beyond the city limits to nobles, wealthy citizens, clergy and high-ranking military officers. 

Return to his hometown
Discover the entrepreneurial spirit of that era through the in-depth research of Dr Ingrid De Meûter – former curator of the national tapestry collection at the Royal Museums of Art and History. She was able to link several tapestries directly to the Van Verren workshop. 

And these tapestries are returning to their hometown of Oudenaarde for the first time. Unique masterpieces enter into dialogue with authentic sources from the city archives: handwritten letters, invoices and a journal reveal how his business operated day by day. Complemented by paintings by pattern designers and other remarkable objects, these sources bring the story behind the tapestries to life. You will discover how correspondence, collaboration and flexibility were the driving forces behind his success. At the same time, you’ll gain a rare insight into the rich craft tradition and the strategic role of Oudenaarde as a prominent production centre.

Contemporary entrepreneurship
This story doesn’t end in the 17th century. The exhibition shows how the spirit of enterprise is still very much alive today. Contemporary local entrepreneurs reflect a surprising amount of what characterised Van Verren’s entrepreneurship. Networking, innovation and perseverance form the common thread, then and now. Thus, the story of this master entrepreneur is not only a glimpse into the past, but also a recognisable and inspiring perspective for entrepreneurs today.

Welcome home, Pieter
Join us on a journey through time, from the weaving workshops in Mater and Schorisse to the salons of European nobility. Experience the power of entrepreneurship, art and identity in a city where textile art once enjoyed world renown. And see how that history continues to live on visibly today. Welcome home, Pieter. Welcome home to the heart of Flemish tapestry history.