Belgian woodcarver gets Zara to the knees | Zara Home Inditex Brussels | Belgian (Limburger) beats ZARA in plagiarism case

Left the work of Patrick Damiaens - Right the candle of Zara home

Belgian woodcarver gets Zara to the knees.

Newspaper article published on July 5, 2017

With permission from DE TIJD, Belgian business and financial newspaper

Translation Lis Alvar R,
In the original article, the author Ben Serrure speaks about the Limburger (as a person), this has changed to Belgian. Explication: Limburg is a province of Belgium.

According to the Brussels Courts of Commerce, the chain of stores Zara Home has copied a design of the ornamental woodcarver Patrick Damiaens without any hesitation.

Patrick Damiaens fell of the chair when he received a call from Paris in 2014. A friend of the Belgian (Limburg) woodcarver was surprised with a decorated candle while shopping in the furniture chain Zara Home. Nothing special itself. The design of the candle was like “two drops” to the design that Damiaens had made two years earlier.

Specifically, it was a family shield that Damiaens had carved on behalf of the Dutch family Odink. The family wanted a 3D version of the recently updated coat of arms, and knocked to the door of the Belgian (Limburg), a famous name in the world of heraldic art. After the assignment was completed, Damiaens placed a picture of the result on his website and began working on other work.

Great was his surprise when, after the call, his job was found in the Antwerp branch of Zara Home, daughter of Inditex, one of the world's most valuable companies. Damiaens did not agree with it, and, along with client Odink, hired a lawyer.

On the cover of De Tijd

Belgian (Limburger) beats ZARA in plagiarism case

Belgian woodcarver forces billion company ZARA on the knees

Sales ban

With result. The Brussels court of commerce ruled that Odink did not, but Damiaens could have copyrighted the design, and that Zara Home had committed infringements by placing the candles on the market. The court therefore condemns Zara Home to pay a compensation and a ban on the future sales of the decorative candles, which had already been taken out of business.

The verdict and, consequently, the compensation payable, by the territorial jurisdiction of the court, relate only to the candles sold in Belgium, attorney Dieter Delarue, who acted for Damiaens in the case, explained. But the verdict is a good starting point for further actions. For example, the Limburger now has a starting point to proceed against Zara in Spain, where the ban and the compensation could then be extended to all of Europe.

Zara can still appeal. The company is currently considering any further steps, let attorney Jef Keustermans know.

David vs Goliath

It's by no means the first time that small designers or artists are being copied by fast retailers like Zara. Zara was already under fire for copying small designers, while a company like H & M is regularly accused of plagiarism.

Recently, Belgian lingerie designer Muriel Scherre of La Fille d'O sounded the bell after H & M put a bra in the shelf that looked like a design of her. Scherre said that she did not wanted to proceed, because she thought she had little chances to win against "Goliath" as H & M.

That is why this sentence is so important, Delarue believes. "It is a unique precedent in the sense that it may be the first time that a fast retailer is convicted by a court for something like this, far beyond Belgium.

Elsewhere and earlier, often with symbolic outrage actions via social or regular media. They are of course useful, but they will also be over by time. The Zara's of this world also know that, which makes them seldom impressed and therefore does not give a proper result. Now, of course, they cannot do anything else. "

Sharp

It is apparent that the court in the sentence expresses Zara's conduct explicitly and in strict terms. Answers to the argument of Zara Home's that a friend of Damiaens was required to recognize the design, the court writes the following:

'This reflects Zara Home's approach and attitude in the design and production of the concerned candle: an interesting and existing design that does not have a prominent general reputation may be applied to the goods in question with a view to the optimization/increase of sales and without any acknowledgment of the person who created that work through his own intellectual input. '

"It is precisely the attractiveness to the consumer that Zara Home has put in place to reproduce exactly the work of Mr. Damiaens and not to choose another design," the court continues. 'A clearer proof of the banalization of the sculpture of Mr. Damiaens cannot be offer.'

https://www.patrickdamiaens.info

Tallador de madera de Limburgo pone a Zara de rodillas | Zara Home Inditex Bruselas | Plagio Zara Home

Tallador de madera de Limburgo pone a Zara de rodillas.

Tallador de madera de Limburgo pone a Zara de rodillas.

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Artículo del "De Tijd" 5 de Julio 2017.

Publicado en este blog con la aprobación del periódico "De Tijd"/Ben Serrure

El periódico "De Tijd" es el diario financiero y de negocios de Bélgica.

Traducción: Lis Alvar R

Según el Tribunal de Comercio de Bruselas, la cadena de tiendas Zara Home ha copiado -sin ninguna duda- el diseño del escultor ornamental Patrick Damiaens.

Patrick Damiaens se fue de espaldas cuando recibió una llamada de París en 2014. Un amigo del escultor de Limburgo se sorprendió al ver una vela decorada mientras compraba en la cadena de muebles Zara Home. Una vela nada especial en sí. Pero el diseño de la vela era como "dos gotas de agua" al diseño que Damiaens había hecho dos años antes.

Específicamente, era un escudo de familia que Damiaens había tallado a nombre de la familia holandesa Odink. La familia quería una versión 3D de su escudo de armas que recientemente había sido actualizado, y llamó a la puerta del escultor, un nombre famoso en el mundo del arte heráldico. Después de que la asignación fue terminada, Damiaens colocó una imagen del resultado en su Web-site y comenzó a trabajar en otro trabajo.

Grande fue su sorpresa cuando, después de la llamada, su trabajo fue encontrado en la sucursal de Amberes de Zara Home (hija de Inditex), una de las compañías más valiosas del mundo. Damiaens no estaba de acuerdo con el uso de su diseño, y, junto con su cliente Odink, contrató a un abogado.

En la portada del "De Tijd"

Artista de Limburgo noquea a Zara en caso de plagio.

Artista de la talla de madera de Limburgo 

fuerza a ponerse de rodillas al negocio multimillonario Zara.

Prohibición de ventas

Con resultado. El Tribunal de Comercio de Bruselas decidió que Odink no, pero Damiaens si podría haber registrado el diseño, y que Zara Home había cometido infracciones colocando las velas en el mercado. Por lo tanto, el tribunal condeno a Zara Home a pagar una indemnización y una prohibición de las ventas futuras de las velas decorativas, la cual ya había sida retirada del mercado.

El veredicto y, en consecuencia, la indemnización por la jurisdicción territorial del tribunal, se refieren únicamente a las velas vendidas en Bélgica, explicó el abogado Dieter Delarue, que actuó en nombre de Damiaens en el caso. Pero el veredicto es un buen punto de partida para nuevas acciones. Por ejemplo, el escultor de Limburgo tiene ahora un punto de partida para proceder en contra Zara en España, donde la prohibición y la compensación podrían extenderse a toda Europa.

Zara todavía puede apelar. Por el momento la compañía está considerando cualquier otro paso a seguir, informo el abogado Jef Keustermans.

David vs Goliath

No es de ninguna manera la primera vez que pequeños diseñadores o artistas están siendo copiados por los minoristas rápidos como Zara. Zara ya estaba bajo el fuego por copiar pequeños diseñadores, mientras que una compañía como H & M es acusada regularmente de plagio

Recientemente, la diseñadora de lencería belga Muriel Scherre de La Fille d'O sonó la campana después de que H & M puso un sujetador en el estante que parecía un diseño de ella. Scherre dijo que no quería continuar, porque creía que tenía pocas posibilidades de ganar contra un "Goliath" como H & M.

Es por eso por lo que esta sentencia es tan importante, considera Delarue. "Es un precedente único en el sentido de que puede ser la primera vez que un minorista rápido es condenado por un tribunal por algo como esto, mucho más allá de Bélgica”.

En otras partes y antes, a menudo con acciones de indignación simbólica a través de medios sociales o regulares. Por supuesto, son útiles, pero también se acabarán con el tiempo. Los Zara de este mundo también saben eso, lo que los hace raramente impresionados y por lo tanto no dan un resultado apropiado. Ahora, por supuesto, no pueden hacer nada más".

Una Infracción de Derecho de Autor |  Zara Home Inditex

Agudo

Es evidente que el tribunal en la sentencia expresa el comportamiento de Zara explícitamente y en términos estrictos. Respuestas al argumento de Zara Home es que un amigo de Damiaens estaba obligado a reconocer el diseño, el tribunal escribe lo siguiente:

"Esto refleja el enfoque y la actitud de Zara Home en el diseño y la producción de la vela en cuestión: un diseño interesante y existente que no tiene una reputación general prominente puede aplicarse a los productos en cuestión con vistas a la optimización / aumento de ventas y sin ningún reconocimiento de la persona que creó esa obra a través de su propio aporte intelectual’.

"Es precisamente el atractivo para el consumidor que Zara Home ha puesto en marcha para reproducir exactamente el trabajo del Sr. Damiaens y no elegir otro diseño", continúa la corte. "No se puede ofrecer una prueba más clara de la banalización de la escultura del señor Damiaens".

https://www.patrickdamiaens.info

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A Bas-Relief of Saint Martin of Tours Carved in Wood | Bas-relief carving | The City of Zaltbommel | Bas-relief carving | Bas-Relief in wood

 Bas-Relief of Saint Martin of Tours Carved in Wood

A Bas-Relief of Saint Martin of Tours Carved in Wood

A low-relief or bas-relief is a sculpting method which is characterized by a rather shallow representation of the image. Usually the image or subject has been flattened substantially. As a result it only appears realistic when viewed from the front. The side view of a bas-relief renders a significantly distorted image.

Method

First, a rough sketch is made. The origin or source of the drawing can be based on an original panel, provided that any inaccuracies or imperfections are modified. The design can also originate from a personal expression, while of course staying true to the original “spirit” of the design. The internet often serves as a great source of inspiration and guidance.

Upon refinement, the final drawing is copied onto tracing paper, which is then applied to the wood with thumbnails. By making use of carbon paper and a scriber the drawing is transferred to the wood. The image of the bas-relief is now present on the wooden panel.

Bas-relief carving | Bas-Relief in wood

The wood carver uses a router to remove any wood surrounding the image, thus creating a work plane or work field.

The actual wood carving can now begin. This phase is called “modelling”. Many years of training, diligence and fulltime experience are of vital importance to master this technique.

The importance of the routing work now becomes apparent. During the modelling phase the original drawing of the image gradually disappears. During this step the drawing or pattern is reapplied to the wooden panel by means of a scriber or marking tool.

Bas-relief carving | Bas-Relief in wood

The lines and markings left by the marking tool are now chiseled of. The contours or outline of the pattern slowly starts to appear. In this phase the chisels act as drawing instruments. It is important not to carve too deep, i.e. to the base (of the relief), so that it is always possible to make (minor) changes to the relief.

The panel is now finished and can be returned to the cabinet-maker (joiner), so it can be integrated into the wooden mantelpiece.

 Bas-Relief of Saint Martin of Tours Carved in Wood

Saint Martin of Tours – A Brief History

Saint Martin is a well-known saint. Many places and churches have been named in his honor. Maybe you know one or two? Martin (Latin: Martinus), meaning “little Mars” (The Roman God of war) was born in 316 AD. During that time emperor Constantine had just converted to Christianity. Christians were therefore no longer persecuted. Saint Martin is generally regarded as the first saint who did not die a martyr.

When Martin was 15 years old he joined the army. He became a Roman legionnaire. He had to because his father was a regular soldier in the Roman army too. At that time a son had to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, Martin turned out to be quite an exceptional legionnaire. He was different from the others. He was patient and modest, helped the sick, and gave everything he didn’t need to the poor and needy.

One day something truly remarkable happened. Something people still mention to this day. This story is recounted in old books about the life of Saint Martin. At the time these types of books were true bestsellers. They served as a source of inspiration for countless stories, songs and plays. It was winter and it was freezing cold. Many people had frozen to death, especially the poor.

Martin saw a beggar sitting at the city gate. The man was cold as he was only wearing thin, ragged clothes. Yet, everyone walked passed him, and offered only lame excuses. They did not have any money, their purse was tucked away too far beneath their clothes, or they were late for a meeting. It was bitterly cold and everyone was in a hurry to get home. Martin was on his way home as well, and he too did not have anything to offer, or did he?

He had no money. He did, however, carry his sword with him, and he was wearing a warm army overcoat. Suddenly, he did something unusual. He used his sword to cut his coat in two, upon which he gave one part to the beggar. He reckoned a coat this size could easily keep two people warm. He could have also simply given the whole coat. However, as these overcoats were very expensive, the army agreed to pay half of it. You can’t give away what is not yours to give! Saint Martin died in 398, not in his monastery (just outside of Tours, France), but in Candes, a small place in his bishopric. His grave is located in Tours.

A Bas-Relief of Saint Martin of Tours Carved in Wood
 Bas-relief carving

This small bas-relief was carved in mahogany wood. The relief has a depth of 8mm and the panel will be integrated into a wooden mantelpiece, alongside two other panels, that represent the coat of arms of the town of Zaltbommel (NL); an old version of 1816 and a more recent rendition from 2001. (The dimensions of this miniature carving are 12x8 cm)

The mantelpiece is made out of pitch pine. These heraldic panels will be tastefully integrated into this mantelpiece, after which it will painted in a light color (probably off-white). Only the center panel with the bas-relief of Saint Martin will retain its original mahogany wood color (apart from some furniture wax), making it a real eye-catcher!

The customer, a Zaltbommel resident (NL), choose this particular bas-relief because Saint Martin is the patron saint of the Zaltbommel basilica (Dutch: Grote of St. Maartenskerk). This large basilica, located in the center of Zaltbommel, has a three-aisled nave and a one-aisled choir. Construction started around 1450 and the building was completed in 1500.

The City of Zaltbommel coat of arms in wood

The City of Zaltbommel (NL) coat of arms in wood

This miniature low-relief panel clearly depicts Saint Martin of Tours, sword in hand, cutting of a piece of his coat to give to the beggar. (I couldn’t resist to attach a purse to his belt.)

I also carved the coat of arms of Zaltbommel on his shield.

(Dimensions: 15x15 cm; depth relief: 8mm)

Translation Koen Verhees

https://www.patrickdamiaens.info

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Belgian Heraldic sculptor discovers missing British work of heraldic art | Monument Sir Nicholas Throckmorton | st katharine cree church london

Sir Nicholas Throckmorton | Momument Throckmorton London
st katharine cree church london

Belgian Heraldic sculptor discovers missing British work at a Belgian art-dealer

PRESS RELEASE 
BELGA Newsagency Brussels

Patrick Damiaens, a woodcarver and heraldic sculptor from the city of Maaseik (Belgium) has discovered a missing 16th century coat of arms of an important British ambassador at an antiques fair in Namur. The church of St Katharine Cree in London, where the work of art went missing during World War II, has appointed a lawyer to retrieve the piece.

“At the antiques fair in Namur this ornamental piece immediately caught my eye”, says Patrick Damiaens. “The relief in question represents a 16^th century coat of arms of about 80 cm in size, which was made of alabaster and is of exceptional quality. 
The antique dealer tried to pass it off as a German-Austrian relief from the middle of the 16^th century, which I found quite strange, seeing as it rather seemed to be of British origin.” Extensive research into the origin of the piece led Damiaens to the Throckmortons, a noble family from England. “The ornamental piece went missing years ago from the monument of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, a confidant of Elisabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots”, according to Damiaens. “He himself was a Britsh ambassador in France and the Throckmorton family in general was quite influential in 16^th century England.” Damiaens is one hundred percent certain that the piece he saw at the antiques fair in Namur belongs to this noble British family. 

Monument Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, London
st katharine cree church london

Marc Van der Cruys, editor of a heraldic magazine, is also convinced of its authenticity. “I believe there is little doubt that this sculpture, with its coat of arms, was once the ornament adorning the family monument at the parochial church of St Katharine Cree", says Van der Cruys. "It is indeed plausible that the relief was among the debris carried out of the church after a bombardment during WWII. Possibly, one of the workers set it aside ‘for a rainy day’ after the war. In this period, when the bombs were literally flying around people’s ears, nobody paid any attention to this."Meanwhile, the person in charge of the church of St Katharine Cree in Londen has undertaken the necessary steps. 

By calling in a lawyer Christopher A Marinello who specializes in stolen, looted or missing works of art, the church wants to see the missing piece returned to its rightful place. For the moment, the coat of arms is still in the possession of the art-dealer who was trying to sell it at the fair in Namur. "Legally speaking, the piece belongs to me, so I’m not obliged to return it”, claims the antique dealer, who wishes to remain anonymous. "But, for ethical reasons, I will return it. 
It just wouldn’t feel right to keep it or sell it. I have recently (Wednesday afternoon, 7-12-2016) spoken to the lawyer from England and we are working on a solution."  

Monument Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, London
st katharine cree church london

Looking for counsel with some respectable art dealers of the TEFAF ‘The Art Fair in Maastricht’, giving me one advice, that I had to put the news and my findings as quickly as possible public, ‘so no other person, interest or firm would use your work as theirs’. The artworld is a crabbasket " they told me."

Belgian Heraldic sculptor discovers missing British work of heraldic art
st katharine cree church london

https://www.patrickdamiaens.info

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The Day of Crafts | A visit to the workshop of Wood carver Patrick Damiaens | De Dag van de Ambachten 2015 | A Wood Carving Demonstration

Patrick Damiaens | Ornamental Woodcarver

 A visit to the workshop of Wood carver Patrick Damiaens |

 De Dag van de Ambachten 2015 | A Wood Carving Demonstration

On 22 November 2015, the 9th edition of  ‘The Day of Crafts’

 (Dag van de Ambachten).

The Day of Crafts (Dag van de ambachten), is a unique and completely free event organized throughout Belgium, it gives artisans the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge.

In addition, the general public can meet these passionate Craftsman and Woman who  are master in their craft and promoting Belgian Craftsmanship. Being a true reference in the sector, I am pleased that this event continues to exist.

The craft sector is bursting with talent, of persons for whom passion is contagious.

I invite you to enjoy this exceptional day.

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This is my 8th participation in this event, 

I wish you a wonderful "Day of Crafts 2015 '!

Our studio is open from 10:00 - 17:00.

You are more than welcome.

https://www.patrickdamiaens.nl

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Family heraldic crests and blazons in wood | Coat of arms carved in wood | Your own carved family coat of arms

Heraldic Family crests in wood | Heraldic Sculptor

Wood carved crests and blazons

 

Your own carved family coat of arms  

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Welcome to my blog, my name is Patrick Damiaens and I am a full-time ornamental wood carver – but I am too a Heraldic woodcarver or Sculptor.

My activities focus on a single purpose, “ornamentation and decoration in wood”, and this in a wide range of applications; and I perform these tasks for an international clientele. I also offer short and long-term training programs / wood carving courses, if you have any questions about my work or training, we are always happy to help you.

Patrick Damiaens’ woodcarving workshop is located in the historic town of Maaseik (B) close to the Dutch border and just steps away from Germany. The workshop was stablished in 1990 and since then, the studio has acquired a good reputation in the design, manufacture, copying and restoration, with the different uses of carvings and ornaments in wood.

The work in the studio is divided into different categories.

There is the manufacturing of unique style furniture, specializing in furniture from the 18th century Liège style; another specialty is performing heraldic coats of arms, crests in wood.

Patrick Damiaens heraldic woodcarver.

Heraldic Family coat of arms carved in wood are one of my specialties. It is always a personal challenge to be able to carve a family crest in wood. Heraldry is a very interesting topic and I'm always happy to begin a new assignment for a heraldic crest or blazon . You get to know interesting people that attract your attention with "their" fascinating family story or history. And for me, personally, it is always nice to hear that they appreciate my professionalism and the quality of my work.

Each heraldic coat of arms is different. Usually it starts with an example as a source of inspiration that, in the form of a drawing, old sketch, or even by a seal ring is provided by the customer. Our clients are common individuals or from the nobility; but sometimes it happens that it is the assignment from an agency, association or company or even the government.
A wood carved Municipal arms or city arms; a memorial panel for an association or a wooden logo for a company is possible too. Sometimes we need to solve small and/or big problems in conjunction with the customer, in order to achieve a particular result. 

To respect the wishes of our national and international clientele, we cannot show you all the coats of arms that have been manufactured in our heraldic carving workshop.

Translation: Lis Alvarado

These are some examples
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The “Meinhold” heraldic Coat of Arms in wood (France)

Wood carved coat of arms, family Leppens (Belgium)

Coat of arms, emblems, municipal and city coat of arms carved in wood.

Miniature family coat of arms carved in wood (Netherlands)

“Gravestein” coat of arms on wood panel (Netherlands)

Family heraldic crests and blazons in wood (detail)

Crest carved in wood | American eagle carved in wood

The Cardone family coat of arms (US)

The Cornielje family crest carved in wood (Switzerland)

The ADAMS family coat of arms (Germany)

The Bonelli di Salci family Crest carved in wood (Italy)

Concordia Archery association, in Peer (Belgium)

Your own carved family coat of arms

Custom-made  Family Coat of arms, Heraldry and Crests .  
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Coat of Arms carved in wood for Royalty and Nobility , particular family  , emblems for clubs, city ,company or organisations...

They are unique carved  and if required painted individual .

You can customize the size, the relief, type of wood ,look and decide in the realization of your family Coat of Arms.

Working from the designs and sketches provided by the client. If necessary , we design a coat of arms for you.

Each carved Coat of Arms or Crest that Patrick Damiaens produces is signed, dated,  and the final result has the highest quality standards. Each coat of arms is carved from the finest, oak ,Limewood, or beech.

https://www.patrickdamiaens.info

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