Henri Van Severen

Henri Van Severen-Ente was a famous gold-embroiderer from Sint-Niklaas.[1] His works for clergy and important churches are of fine quality.

Fragment of a cope

Van Severen was a son of Jean-Baptiste, who established the Van Severen-Manufacture ca 1830. During his youth he left his father's factory to go to Rome as papal zouave. His father died in 1871, and he became a master-embroiderer.

His works are typically neogothical, and his procession banners are famous for their size and quality. He specialised in important restorations of old vestments.

When he died in 1923 his widow, Emma Ente, continued the work until her death.