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Analysing company archives of Belgian general contracting companies

Construction of the Sint Catarina church in Hoogstraten (1950) © Company archive Verstraete & Vanhecke

Restoration works of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten) in Antwerp © Company archive Verstraete & Vanhecke

Architectural plans by Cols & De Roeck for the church Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Middelares en Heilige Lodewijk in Berchem (Antwerp, 1930s) © Company archive Verstraete & Vanhecke

Old advertisement of the general contracting company Verstraete, indicating their specialisation in the construction and restoration of religious buildings © Company archive Verstraete & Vanhecke

The Federatie van Algemene Bouwaannemers (FABA)/ Fédération des Entrepreneurs Généraux de la Construction (FEGC) celebrates its 140th anniversary in 2021. This important moment is captured by publishing a book on the history of the FABA/FEGC and on the profession of general contractors in Belgium.

Jelena Dobbels is preparing the book, based on her PhD research 'Becoming Professional Practitioners. A History of General Contractors in Belgium (1870-1970)'. In addition, archival research is carried out on a number of Belgian general contractors. The company archives of these contractors provide unique insights into the activitities of these construction companies through construction site photographs, building specifications, correspondence, architectural plans, advertisements, etc.
To be continued!