Artblog Curioser

PETER GABRIELSE’S “CHÂTEAU” & INTERIORS IN MINIATURE

Time stands still in this magnificent 18th century “Château” in the heart of the Normandy countryside. It is home to Dutch artist Peter Gabrielse, a miniature sculptor who creates decadent settings of elegant theatricality in boxes made from antique materials.

Gabrielse, born in the Netherlands in 1937 and son of antique dealer parents, spent his childhood in an old house which inspired him from his earliest years. To this interest in the “antique” was added his work as a set designer for 30 years, this fusion will be the hallmark of his work and the essence of his home in which both will share the same atmosphere.

Gabrielse now dedicates most of his time to changing the interior of his castle, which is strongly linked to the interior of his box sculptures.

Looking at his artwork and his impressive house, one wonders whether the interior of the “château” is an extension of his boxes or whether his art is the real extension.

Photo Box Sculptures

Box Sculpture

The staging of his boxes, made from reclaimed materials, magically reflects the weathered patina of time, conveying a certain drama accompanied by a wonderfully decadent splendour.

Photo Box Sculptures

Photo Box Sculptures

Photo Box Sculptures

Photo Box Sculptures

Peter fell in love with the authentic character of the castle and therefore preserved the original features and atmosphere of the house. He only renovated as much as was necessary, leaving the rest of the house to uncover the rustic walls hidden behind the old wallpaper, revealing the natural beauty of the house and unveiling its stunning original dreamy green walls.

It is worth mentioning the 17th century Delft tiles and plates in the kitchen, which are part of the artist’s large collection, the paneled cupboards from Gabrielse’s bedroom wardrobe and the original early 18th century fireplace, as well as the amazing granite staircase in the foyer.

Photo Kotomi Yamamura

Photo Kotomi Yamamura

Photo Kotomi Yamamura

Treasures

His old treasures in the form of materials are everywhere, boxes full of buckles, tools, buttons, knobs and other accessories waiting to be used in his next artworks adorn that wonderful latent atmosphere of the past.

“A perfect fusion, where art merges with reality.”

Peter Gabrielse

Photo Kotomi Yamamura

Photo Kotomi Yamamura

Peter Gabrielse has published two extraordinary books with the wonderful Kotomi Yamamura, a London-based jewellery designer and photographer who specialises in periods and styles of earlier eras.

Peter Gabrielse https://www.petergabrielse.com/

Kotomi Yamamura https://www.kotomicreations.com/

Peter Gabriëlse – box sculptor

This book of photographs presents 19 of his box sculptures, as well as his 18th century home, “Le Château” in Normandy, which now reflects in many ways the three-dimensional interiors of his box sculptures.