About us

Flanders Auctions: A Family Story Bridging Past and Present

Flanders Auctions is a privately owned, family run international auction house specializing in antiques, design, and fine art. What began as one man’s passion for art and history has grown into a respected auction house that connects collectors, buyers, and sellers from around the world.

The Early Years: 1990-1999

The story of Flanders Auctions begins in the 1990s, when Pol Desmet, driven by his passion for art and history, started acquiring pieces at local art fairs, markets, and antique dealers. What began as a modest hobby soon developed into something much greater. A small garage gradually transformed into a fully fledged antique shop. Every object Pol collected carried its own story, and it was this unique combination of craftsmanship and history that continued to inspire him.

A Major First Step: Oostkamp, 1999

In November 1999, Pol and his partner Hilde took a bold step by renting a showroom of no less than 1,000 square metres in Oostkamp, near Bruges. From this new base, they began selling internationally, and their customer network expanded rapidly, reaching the United States, China, Australia, and many other countries. This period laid the foundations for what would later become a globally operating business.

Growth and Professionalization: Wildenburg, 2006

As demand continued to grow, so did the need for a larger and more strategically located facility. In December 2006, the company, then operating under the name Antiques Belgium, established its headquarters and warehouse in Wildenburg. Located close to the E40 motorway, the new site greatly improved logistics while offering easy access for customers and partners from Belgium and abroad. This move marked an important milestone in the company’s professional development.

The Next Generation Joins the Business

A family business thrives through the people who carry it forward, and a new chapter began when Pol’s children joined the company. Lieven Desmet became part of the business in 2010, followed by his younger brother Steven in 2016. Together, they brought fresh ideas, new energy, and a forward looking vision while remaining true to the values established by their father.

Expanding to the United States: Round Top, 2018

The year 2018 marked another important milestone when Antiques Belgium opened its first antique gallery outside Belgium in Round Top, Texas. This expansion reflected the company’s international ambitions and brought its collection closer to collectors across the Atlantic.

A New Name and a New Vision: Flanders Auctions, 2020

In 2020, the company entered a new phase. Antiques Belgium became Flanders Auctions, a new name that reflected its evolution into a fully established international auction house specializing in antiques, design, and fine art. The rebranding symbolized an ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and growth. During this period, Marlies and Franky also strengthened the family business. Marlies joined the company as a photographer in 2020, further reinforcing the team’s shared vision for the future. Franky brought years of experience in relationship management within the financial sector, strengthening the administrative and organizational foundation of the auction house.

A New Year’s Addition: Wouter Joins the Team, 2025

The team continued to grow. On 1 January 2025, Flanders Auctions welcomed Wouter as a true New Year’s gift. His arrival at the very beginning of the year symbolized a period filled with new ambitions. As the year unfolded, 2025 proved to be a remarkable year marked by several important milestones, to which Wouter also made a valuable contribution.

Wouter holds a Master’s degree in Biology and previously worked within the municipal administration of a city in West Flanders. Driven by his passion for art and antiques, he decided to further specialize by completing professional training as an antique dealer. His broad background combined with his specialized expertise makes him a valuable addition to the Flanders Auctions team.

The Berko Fine Paintings Collection and the Move to Roeselare, 2025

April 2025 became an exceptionally important month for Flanders Auctions. The company auctioned the complete collection of the renowned Berko Fine Paintings gallery from Knokke, a gallery with a long standing reputation in nineteenth and early twentieth century paintings. This landmark auction confirmed Flanders Auctions as a trusted partner for the sale of prestigious art collections and attracted collectors and art enthusiasts from across the globe.

During the same month, another major milestone was achieved as Flanders Auctions relocated to a new premises on Rijksweg in Roeselare, near the Rumbeke exit. The new location offers significantly more space for the company’s growing collections and expanding activities while providing excellent accessibility for buyers, sellers, and clients from Belgium and abroad. Together, the successful Berko auction and the relocation to Roeselare marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the company’s continued growth.

Flanders Auctions Today, 2026

Today, Flanders Auctions organizes more than ten auctions each year and offers an exceptional selection of antiques, design, and fine art to buyers and sellers worldwide. Guided by a deep rooted passion for art and antiques, the team continues to connect people with timeless treasures and remarkable stories.

Flanders Auctions is a family story, a commitment to quality, and a bridge between the past and the present for collectors around the world.