Labeur

LABEUR (Brussels 1898 - Brussels 1907)

Belgian artist group for applied art and social idealism The Belgian artist collective Labeur, founded around 1898 in Brussels, brought together artists and craftsmen who believed in the social power of art. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement of William Morris, Labeur aimed to bridge the gap between fine and applied arts. The group focused on applied art, including book illustration, printmaking, furniture, ceramics, and decorative design.

Notable members included Médard Tytgat, Jean Delville, and Georges Minne. Their work often reflected symbolist and idealistic themes. Labeur organised exhibitions, published illustrated books, and emphasized the educational role of art. The group is considered a forerunner of later Belgian movements such as Sélection, Le Sillon, and La Gravure Originale Belge.

Though active only until around 1907, Labeur left a lasting mark on the Belgian art scene of the early 20th century.