History of painted façades from the Middle Ages to the 20th century in the Flemish region of Belgium

Paint is an essential element and a defining architectural feature of our built heritage. Façade paints are of major importance in the question of sustainable conservation and management of historic buildings since they protect against torrential rains and other climatic conditions. Heritage consultants and house owners in particular are often faced with difficulties related to the issue of paint and coating systems during façade maintenance and restoration tasks of listed building envelopes. Questions about the historically correct colour schemes and appropriate paintwork rise. To meet the growing demand in this field the Flemish Heritage Agency (Flemish Government) commissioned a research to map the history of painted façades in Flanders from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
The study focuses on the façade finish with paint in Flanders trough different style periods in various building typologies and of the different parts of the façade, which also includes the woodwork and metal parts. Specific attention was given to the paintwork but renders and pointing systems are also covered. Issues of colour, gloss, texture and application methods were discussed and evaluated.
Different techniques with paint and/or plaster used through the ages are twofold: to address the aesthetic aspect and to protect from the effect of weather influences.
Since the Middle Ages brickwork and natural stone imitation tried to match the craftsmanship of the master- bricklayer in order to generate the image of uniform and perfect-gauged brickwork. To quote the statement of Denslagen en Devries: “The concept of imitation might have a pejorative meaning today but until the late nineteen century no negative aspects could be encountered. Besides, for a clear and proper understanding of the heritage concept our contemporary thinking is of minor importance.” Next to the idea of imitation certain finishes were only used for purely decorative purposes.
On the other hand it became clear that façade finishes have a major protective and strengthening function. Historical lime and oil paints form a protective film on the support and they dim the traces of former transformations and adaptations.
Throughout the centuries most Flemish façades were painted but an exception to this tradition first occurs during the late nineteenth century when natural polychromy - the colour of the naked material - became popular.
The Art Nouveau sgraffito and metal polychromy gained a new and independent colour dimension in the buildings appearance in synergy with the naked building materials. This trend of combining natural and painted polychromy consistently continues towards the 20th century.

This essay aims to contribute to the growing demand of different historical coating systems of Flamish façade finishes and to pay a significant degree of attention to changes in taste, style, aesthetics and developments in technology and sustainable conservation.

Keywords:Architectural paint research, painted façades