National Museum of Brushes

In the museum the visitor can learn about the history of Izegem’s brush industry’s time of glory.

The brush industry of Izegem developed considerably thanks to the plant material importation coming from South Asia by the manufacturer of brushes Deryckere in about 1850, which made it possible to produce a cheap brush. At the beginning of the 20th century the brush industry knew its apogee until 1930, period during which it employed 3000 people.

Until today, Izegem is still a center for the production of brushes and machines to manufacture brushes.

The raw materials come from Asia and America. The finished brushes are sold all over Europe and the machines in the whole world.

The craftsmanship and the creativity of the craftsman are revealed during demonstrations.

The visitor discovers the tricks of the trade necessary to draw and prick, for the manufacture of the wire brush and the whitewash brush. The visitor goes through the industrial revolution starting from the first machines to the machines of the years 1970, just before the introduction of the first computerized machines. 

It is only by seeing the multitude of brush models that one realizes how much brushes are used in everyday life.

One can contemplate all kinds of brushes from the priest’s sprinkler to the multitudes of brushes for painting, housework, industrial use and leisure. 

Sometimes the brushes were replaced by more modern electrical appliances such as the armchair brush, the staircase brush and the carpet brush which was replaced by the vacuum cleaner. This evolution is also shown in the permanent collection.

Opening hours
Individuals:
From tuesday till saterday
from 10 till 12 hours and from 14 till 17 hours
During Christmas holidays and january –february: closed for individuals
Official holidays: closed
Price: € 2 per person, seniors: € 1,5 per person, students € 1 per person.

Visitors in group
During the whole year, only after reservation
Price: € 1,5 per person
A guide can be asked.