18th-century banner from Baardegem returns to church after year of conservation

An 18th-century banner, recently discovered and conserved, is set to return to the church in Baardegem, Belgium. The historical artifact was found in the presbytery in the spring of 2024 and has since undergone meticulous conservation by Erfgoedcel Denderland, which opted to preserve its original state rather than restore it.

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What makes this banner so special is that it was never repaired or altered. This means we still have the original 18th-century fabric, which is extremely rare for textiles from that period.

The banner had been hidden for over 50 years in a forgotten corner of the Baardegem presbytery. During preparations for the presbytery's sale, staff examining the contents uncovered the heavily damaged banner. "What makes this banner so special is that it was never repaired or altered," explained heritage consultant Hilke Arijs. "This means we still have the original 18th-century fabric, which is extremely rare for textiles from that period."

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Such reused fabrics provide us today with insight into the civilian fashion of the 18th century.

Made from what is believed to be "civilian fabric," likely South French silk, the banner exemplifies how luxurious materials from wealthy families were often repurposed for religious objects during that era. Arijs noted that such reused fabrics provide valuable insights into 18th-century civilian fashion. Erfgoedcel Denderland's decision to conserve rather than restore aimed to maintain the object's historical authenticity. For over a year, three volunteers, guided by two textile conservators, carefully cleaned and stabilized the banner, intentionally leaving visible damage as part of its historical narrative.

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We have consciously chosen to leave the damage visible. Those traces are part of the object's history and testify to centuries of use.

Aalst's alderman for heritage, Sarah Smeyers, highlighted the project as an example of the city's commitment to preserving its heritage. "This project shows how we, as a city, together with partners like Erfgoedcel Denderland, actively care for our heritage," she stated. "Even fragile and forgotten objects regain a place and meaning within our community." The banner will be officially inaugurated on July 20, following the Margaretha procession.

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This project shows how we, as a city, together with partners like Erfgoedcel Denderland, actively care for our heritage. Even fragile and forgotten objects regain a place and meaning within our community.