Belgian court supplier and door hardware manufacturer Vervloet in the Brussels borough of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean has long been the go-to address for anyone looking for hardware such as a unique latch, knocker, hinges, or locks. You can expect to pay handsomely for the privilege... but you do get what you pay for.
Vervloet's motto since the company was founded in 1905 has been, 'The customer is King'. In retrospect, it can also be taken literally, so it was much more than empty words. Expect custom brass or bronze work, usually commissioned, that shows unparalleled craftsmanship. Both reproductions of historic door hardware in every possible style and unseen creations, prompted by the most idiosyncratic ideas, leave the workshop to adorn palaces, luxury hotels, villas, cathedrals, yachts, private jets or other elite destinations across the globe. Whether the customer requests an item in Gothic, Renaissance, Louis XIV, XV or XVI, Empire, Oriental, Art Nouveau, or Art Deco style, Vervloet fulfils their wishes. Even a door handle in the shape of a statue of Easter Island or a medieval spittoon are flawlessly created by the company.
Of course, Vervloet remains discreet about who buys their products, but they are willing to reveal some names or clues. Queen of rock 'n' roll Tina Turner once came to pick out door hardware for one of her properties, and one of the richest oriental princes is still looking for some pieces to gild the farm he wants to build in the desert. The US and the Middle East are real fans of these artists.
