On the 21st of October 2026, two years after Isabelle de Borchgrave’s tragic death from cancer, a new book was presented to the public at the premises of her gallery in her beloved Ixelles in Brussels.
She was born at Sablon, the artistic area of Brussels, where I live nowadays. But all her life she lived and worked in Ixelle at the space, where her atelier also is! It’s is where her husband Count Werner de Bochgrave d’Altena lives nowadays as well. I was privileged to talk to him on the 21st of October, on the day, the book was presented to the closest community of friends and art-lovers. I was fortunate te be among them, thanks to the kind invitation of Sophie Carrée, a founder of her PR-Agency.
Isabelle de Borchgrave’s book © photo Yelena van Kharitonova
I met Isabelle de Bochgrave several years ago, when she was a guest of honor during Brussels Design September official opening at The Silversquare Co-working at Square de Meeus, she gave an impressive speech then. It was about her solo exhibition at BOZAR then! Which was dedicated to Frida Kahlo and Mexico. I was introduced then to the wonderful paper world of Isabelle’ costumes, some of them I saw again at her atelier during the book’s presentation.
Isabelle de Borchgrave’s atelier © photo Yelena van Kharitonova
But also some works from Ballets Russes, flying ballerina’s skirts, since Isabelle paid tribute to Serge Diagilev, who was inspired by Picasso, Matisse and Leon Bakst’s work. Also I saw many flying coats, we call them “chopans”, which were inspired by Isabelle’s visit to Uzbekistan. Also many cushions with Ikat from Uzbekistan have been decorating her living room at the main coach. I saw them then.
© photo Yelena van Kharitonova
Isabelle had studied in Brussels and at the beginning of her carrier was busy with sculptures, art works and installations. Only in 1994, after her visit of Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, she started seriously work with the paper and now we know her as the “Queen of Paper”. Her works have been collaboration etc by many world museums! She travelled the world and saw it inside out. In fact you can see it in her atelier-studio, which looks like a travel around the globe.
© photo Yelena van Kharitonova
Now you can visit the gallery under the atelier and get the book. Also be inspired by the garden and the bookshop. The spirit of Isabelle de Bochgrave is still also there. Everywhere!
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