BRUNFAUT, JULES

(1852-1942)

   Jules Brunfaut was born in Brussels on 16 November 1852. An architect, he studied at the Académie royale des Beaux-Arts and worked under Henri Beyaert for four years. He studied in Paris (1879) and traveled in Italy (1881-1882) in preparation for a career that spanned 50 years. His architecture encompassed primarily the design of townhouses. Other works included the monumental façade of the Banque d'Outremer. Known for his classically proportioned structures, he was an ardent promoter of urban preservation. Serving on the Commission royale des Monuments et des Sites, he contributed to securing enactment of a royal decree of 29 March 1912 on protection of historic sites. Brunfaut died in Brussels on 4 January 1942.