Whoever spends his summers to work as an apprentice roofer, especially with the Société de Crisnée Tong et fils, likes the work of the craftsmen from home and wants to defend it. Local craftsmen, local materials … This is what made him want to write. To preserve the heritage, to avoid this policy which wants us to shave everything to rebuild “modern”. “There is not much to change the situation, you have to go to the front”he explains. And he, at the front, he goes. While being centered on its values: the local, ecological, economic, academic side, on the profession too. “I would like to instill a new political dynamic.” A famous challenge but that he is ready to take up … while continuing his studies.
And his book “Heritage”? “A first part of the book evokes practical cases, such as the Quitis manor or even the house Janssens, in Huy.” This house, close to the one who houses the Quick, in Huy, was shaved. The ASBL which Virgil Declercq is the president, had attempted to fight the decision but without success. In his book, he explains that but also other sacrificed heritage places. It is quite romanticized but we learn the materials, the heritage behind these materials.
The second part of his book is a plea for the aesthetic side, urban furniture. “I criticize modern architecture in this book. I also evoke the damage that these demolitions have on the population.” Whoever wants to maintain a critical spirit wants to testify to preserve the heritage, even if he goes-he affirms-against the tide of what is taught in universities.
— > “Heritage”, by Virgil Declercq, Editions Bozon 2x. He is on sale at a price of € 21 in bookstores.
