A Century-Old Legacy: Godelieve Yperman Virtually Connects to Her Father’s War Art in Flanders Fields Museum
On a quiet saturday afternoon, Godelieve Yperman, soon to celebrate her 100th birthday, gazed at old photos and works of her father, Jules Yperman, in the Flanders Fields Museum. Though she couldn’t be there in person, her daughter Marleen’s smartphone bridged the 200-kilometer gap from her service flat in Peer.”I can’t make such a long journey anymore,” Godelieve said, her voice tinged with regret. Yet,her connection to the moment was palpable.More than 50 members of the Yperman family traveled from across the country to the Westhoek for the exhibition. Among them was Helena Yperman, 90, from Rekem, who shared, “I am the only child of Jules who is physically present here. We were nine children; Godelieve and I are the last. This exhibition is a great honor for our father.”
Pieper and Yperman: A Dual Legacy
The exhibition, titled Pieper and Yperman, pays homage to two craftsmen who documented their experiences during the First World War. Hans Pieper, a german engineer-architect, and Jules Yperman, a glazier from Bruges, both stationed on the Belgian coast, captured their impressions through drawings and watercolors. Their works offer a deeply personal glimpse into the war and its surroundings.Karen Derycke, a scientific assistant at the museum, explained, “For Jules, sketching was his way of processing everything. other soldiers might have written letters, but his drawings provide a unique insight into his war experiences.” As a glazier,Jules relied on his trusted technique of drawing,creating volatile sketches of the reality around him,which he later colored. his family preserved thes works meticulously.
A Family’s gift to History
In 2018, the Yperman family donated Jules’ collection to the museum. Jan Yperman, Jules’ oldest grandson from Hasselt, reflected, “The pen and color drawings in his unique diary give an idea of the front.” This donation has allowed the museum to showcase a rare perspective of the war, blending artistry with historical documentation.
A Virtual Connection Across Generations
The exhibition became a poignant family moment, even for those who couldn’t attend in person. Helena waved to her sister Godelieve via Marleen’s smartphone, a touching reminder of the enduring bond between the siblings. The event was not just a party of Jules Yperman’s legacy but also a testament to the resilience and unity of his family.
| Key Highlights of the Exhibition |
|————————————–|
| Title: Pieper and Yperman |
| Location: Flanders Fields Museum |
| Duration: January 28, 2025 – June 1, 2025 |
| Featured Artists: Hans Pieper and Jules Yperman |
| Art Forms: Drawings and watercolors |
| Family Donation: 2018 |
The Pieper and Yperman exhibition is more than a display of art; it’s a bridge between past and present, a story of survival, and a tribute to the human spirit. For Godelieve, it was a moment to honor her father’s legacy, even from afar.
Visit the flanders fields Museum to witness this remarkable collection and immerse yourself in the personal narratives of Pieper and Yperman.
Jules Yperman: A Modest War Artist Honored in a Unique Family Exhibition
The story of Jules Yperman, a humble yet profoundly talented artist, has come to life in a remarkable exhibition that celebrates his legacy. Known for his paintings and fire glass work in numerous churches, Yperman’s artistry has been preserved and showcased in a museum, bringing together generations of his family for a heartfelt celebration.
A legacy Unveiled
jules Yperman, who never dared to call himself an artist or exhibit his work, is now the centerpiece of a museum exhibition that has left his family in awe. “Our bompa was very modest,” says granddaughter Marleen (65) from Beringen. “Jules could have been known in the past because of his many paintings and fire glass work in numerous churches.”
The exhibition,which includes Yperman’s war diary and other works,has become a family affair. Marleen shares, “A big family celebration in a museum is perhaps a bit weird, but very nice: it is a cheerful gathering around our bompa. In the family, we all have paintings hanging from him, but I had never seen his war diary in real life.”
A Family Celebration
The Yperman family has turned the exhibition into a joyous reunion. With Godelieve on her smartphone, the family navigates the exhibition space, ensuring everyone feels included. “that way she can say everyone good day,” Marleen explains.Godelieve, visibly moved, smiles and says, “Our dad in a museum, I love it! The whole family is enthusiastic, and I can still experience it through this small GSM’eke.”
Victor Van Campenhout, the youngest great-grandchild, adds a touch of innocence to the event. “The importance of this unique moment and he is not realizing this exhibition yet, but it is indeed nice that he is also there,” says his mother, Nele Yperman (43).
A Testament to Resilience
Jules Yperman’s ability to create beauty amidst the chaos of war is a testament to his resilience. “I think it is indeed punishment that Jules could make such lovely things in a war,” Nele reflects. “we have never been confronted with war up close, hopefully that will stay that way.”
the exhibition has also garnered praise from museum staff. Annick Vandenbilcke, a scientific museum employee, describes the donation of yperman’s works as “an incredibly special donation.” She adds, “We fell back from the quality of what Jules yperman painted and signed at the front. A war is terribly ugly, but such a family meeting is very beautiful and comforting.”
A Proud Family Moment
Jan Yperman, the oldest grandson, expresses the family’s pride in the exhibition. “With this exhibition, Jules is realy honored, and we are very proud of that,” he says. “We invited children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren to come and watch together, and they responded en masse. It is a great honor to be able to experience this unique family moment.”
The exhibition not only honors Jules Yperman’s artistic legacy but also brings his family together in a celebration of his life and work.
| Key Highlights of the Exhibition |
|————————————–|
| Artist: Jules Yperman |
| Notable Works: Paintings,fire glass work in churches,war diary |
| Family involvement: Multiple generations attending |
| Museum’s Perspective: “An incredibly special donation” |
| Family’s Sentiment: “A cheerful gathering around our bompa” |
This exhibition is a poignant reminder of the power of art to connect generations and preserve history. For those interested in exploring more about Jules Yperman’s work, visit the museum’s official website.
Call to Action: plan your visit to the museum and witness the legacy of Jules Yperman firsthand. Share your experience with us on social media using #JulesYpermanExhibition.A Family Legacy: The Ypermans’ Journey Through Time at the IFFM
The Yperman family,spanning generations,recently embarked on a poignant journey through history during a visit to the In Flanders fields Museum (IFFM). The youngest member, Victor van Campenhout (7), was visibly amused during the distant museum visit, while the eldest, Godelieve Yperman (99), shared cherished memories with her granddaughter Marleen as they explored old family photos in the exhibition.
Godelieve, the daughter on the far right in the photo displayed at the exhibition, reflected on her family’s legacy. “It’s unbelievable to see how far we’ve come,” she remarked, her voice filled with emotion. Her granddaughter Marleen, holding a smartphone, helped bridge the gap between past and present, showcasing how technology can preserve and share family history.
The visit was a family affair, with Nele Yperman (43) and Toon (45), Victor’s parents, accompanying their son. Together, they captured a family snapshot at the entrance of the IFFM, a moment that symbolized their shared connection to the past.
The IFFM, known for its immersive exhibits on World War I, provided the perfect backdrop for the Ypermans to explore their roots.The museum’s focus on personal stories and historical artifacts resonated deeply with the family, offering a unique prospect to connect with their ancestors.
Key Highlights of the Yperman Family Visit
| Family Member | Role | Experience |
|————————–|———————————–|——————————————————————————–|
| Victor van Campenhout (7) | Youngest ‘Yperman’ | Amused during the distant museum visit |
| Godelieve Yperman (99) | Oldest daughter | Reflected on family history with granddaughter Marleen |
| Nele Yperman (43) | Mother | Supported victor’s exploration of the museum |
| Toon (45) | Father | Captured family moments at the IFFM entrance |
The Ypermans’ visit to the IFFM was more than just a trip to a museum; it was a celebration of their enduring legacy. As Godelieve put it, “Our family’s story is a testament to resilience and love, and I’m grateful to share it with the younger generations.”
For those inspired by the Ypermans’ journey, the In Flanders Fields Museum offers a chance to explore your own family history. Plan your visit today and discover the stories that connect us all.
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Exploring Family Legacy: an Interview with the Yperman Family
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. Could you start by sharing what this exhibition means to the Yperman family?
Jan Yperman: Absolutely.This exhibition is a profound honor for our family. It celebrates the life and work of our grandfather, Jules Yperman, who was not only an artist but also a chronicler of history through his paintings and war diary. Bringing together multiple generations—children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren—has been a deeply moving experience.It’s a moment of pride and connection to our roots.
Editor: That sounds truly special. What are some of the key highlights of the exhibition?
Jan Yperman: The exhibition showcases Jules’s notable works, including his paintings, stained glass art in churches, and his war diary, which offers a poignant glimpse into his experiences. The museum has described his contributions as an “incredibly special donation”, and for us, it’s a cheerful gathering around our “bompa” (grandfather). the family’s involvement across generations has made this a unique and emotional event.
Editor: How has the younger generation responded to the exhibition?
Jan Yperman: the younger members,like my great-nephew victor van Campenhout,found joy in the experience,even during the more solemn moments of the museum visit. Meanwhile, Godelieve Yperman, the eldest daughter at 99, shared cherished memories with her granddaughter Marleen, bridging the gap between past and present. It’s been incredible to see how technology, like Marleen’s smartphone, can preserve and share family history.
Editor: what role did the In Flanders Fields Museum (IFFM) play in this experience?
Jan Yperman: The IFFM provided the perfect setting for our journey through time. its focus on personal stories and ancient artifacts allowed us to connect deeply with our family’s legacy. The museum’s immersive exhibits on World War I resonated with us, as Jules himself documented that era in his work.Capturing a family snapshot at the museum’s entrance symbolized our shared connection to the past.
Editor: What message woudl you like to leave for families who might be inspired by your story?
Jan Yperman: our family’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of art to connect generations.I encourage others to explore thier own histories and visit institutions like the IFFM to uncover the stories that bind us all. As my grandmother Godelieve said,“Our family’s story is a testament to resilience and love,and I’m grateful to share it with the younger generations.”
Editor: Thank you, Jan, for sharing your family’s journey with us. It’s a beautiful reminder of the enduring legacy of art and family.
All images courtesy of Thijs Pattyn.
