Hof der dingen - Sculpture ‘Flandrien’ – Fernand Vanderplancke

This sculpture was commissioned by the Flemish government for the occasion of the EU presidency. It’s a depiction of a so-called ‘flandrien’ – those relentless cyclists known for their never-give-up attitude, especially when they break away from the peloton. They keep pushing towards the finish line no matter the odds, a perfect symbol of West Flemish determination. 

Fernand Vanderplancke, the artist behind this work, was born in Bruges on August 12, 1938, and now resides in the coastal town of Koksijde-Oostduinkerke – the very place he draws inspiration from: the impressive dunes, beach, and the quiet beauty of the polders. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, polders are pieces of low-lying land enclosed by dikes and drained for agriculture. 

His greatest influence? The English sculptor Henry Moore, who, like Fernand, loved working with various materials for his pieces. Besides sculpting, Fernand is also a proficient painter, illustrator, and designer of plaques and medals. 

In 1999, he was awarded the ‘Certificate of Distinction’ by the International Association of Art (linked to UNESCO), recognising his efforts to introduce young people to the world of arts and encourage them to explore their own creative paths. 

Fernand’s most well-known creations? The trophy for the Ronde van Vlaanderen – often considered one of the most prestigious one-day cycling races in the world – which he designed and created from 1995 to 2024. He has also crafted trophies for several other cycling races, like Koksijde-De Panne and the Flandriens. 

These trophies have consistently received widespread media attention in the media and earned praise from fans and cyclists alike.