About
In May 1995 Léon-Paul van Geenen opened the doors of "De Porcelijne Lampetkan" (Porcelain Ewer) Originally he had wanted to name his store the Porceleyne Fles (Porcelain Bottle). This because he lived on the foundations of the former location of the factory, and he started his collection with blue Delftware. Bus alas, because the Porceleyne Fles is actually the only one of the numerous pottery factories in Delft which still exists today, so that name was taken. He eventually decided on the Porcelijne Lampetkan, which turned out to be a very fitting name indeed, if you consider Van Geenen's fist initials match the brand of this seventeenth century pottery factory, LPK or in short LP. In addition, Van Geenen also holds many marked pieces of this pottery factory in his collection.
By now many antique lovers have found their way to the De Porcelijne Lampetkan Even the wife of Russian Prime Minister Medvedev visited the store. and took home several vases. The fact she found something she liked is unsurprising. Because with five antiquarians under one roof, one of which being Van Geenen's father, several specialities are covered. Arts, antiques, curiosities, Delftware as well as silverware and glassware. Over the years this antique store has truly expanded to become a miniature arts and antiques centre.
In 1998 Van Geenen purchased Voldersgracht 26 and opened an antique store there. A special building, said to possibly be the parental home of Vermeer. You wouldn't be able to tell from the current facade, dating to the nineteenth century. Despite the renovations the building has undergone throughout the centuries, several element on the inside of the building definitely remind one of Vermeer's time in history. In 2010 Van Geenen took over the building on the Voldersgracht and restored it, finding more authentic elements along the way. Seventeenth century tiling was found in the house, which have received an honourable place. On the left side a seventeenth century wall has been exposed, showing off the location of an old fireplace. The 19th century stucco ceiling was restored in its former glory and the toilet in the back of the store features old tiling on the floor and walls. It truly breathes the age of Vermeer.
After the renovation the store was renamed "Arts & Antique Van Geenen" In addition to furniture and curiosities visitors will mostly find seventeenth and eighteenth century Delftware and tiling. Notable and several Chinese objects and archaeological finds.
Van Geenen specializes in old and new Delftware, antique tiles, excavated ceramics, antique etchings and engravings, Chinese ceramics, Royal Delftware from the Porceleyne Fles factory (1879-1980) and Makkum ceramics. In addition, he has built up an exceptional collection Delft white.
He is also a regular participant at trade fairs such as: New York Ceramics Fair, Bastille Art in Paris, NEC Birmingham, Earls Court and Olympia in London.
Van Geenen is also an expert of valuations of Delftware.
Occasionally there are TV recordings, associated with Vermeer, by national- and international-
TV stations, including Japan.
Leon Paul van Geenen - Voldersgracht 26 Delft
