Temporary Exhibitions - Expo Brussels 1935
The temporary competition hall was the setting for many events of the country's economic activity and even of the universe. The most important of these were
1° the Spring, Summer and Autumn Horticultural Exhibitions. The first one opened on 28 April and lasted six days. It was inaugurated by Mr. De Schrijver, Minister of Agriculture, who was received by the Exhibition authorities and by Mr. Firmin Lambeau, President of the Organizing Committee. In front of a large audience, Mr. Lambeau underlined the particular merits of the effort made by Belgian horticulturists: "With one exception," he declared, "all the exhibitors are Belgian.
- Mr. De Schrijver responded by assuring national horticulture of the government's concern.
The public then marched past the magnificent floral collections, admiring in particular the calceolaria, azaleas, hydrangeas and lilacs.
The second show took place on 26 July and featured roses, gladioli, sweet peas and begonias. About a hundred Belgian growers and nurserymen, as well as a large number of Dutch growers, took part.
As with the Spring Horticultural Exhibition, the management was entrusted to Mr. F. Lambeau.
By a fortunate initiative, the doors of this Exhibition remained open in the evening and the public took great interest in seeing the thousands of flowers illuminated by artificial light.
At the third one, which opened on October 8, dahlias, chrysanthemums, orchids, cacti, ferns, etc., were exhibited. A particularly rich collection of domestic fruits was a real eye-opener: the selections were presented from the threefold point of view of cultivation, sorting and packing for shipment abroad. Remarkable French and Dutch participants added to the attractiveness of this demonstration, which coincided with the Belgian Fruit Week, inaugurated by the Minister of Agriculture, in the presence of Baron Robert de Kerchove d'Exaerde, Vice-President of the Chamber of Representatives, President of Group VII
Mr. Rubbens, Minister of Colonies, also visited the exhibition and was particularly interested in the colonial fruit stand, which displayed magnificent samples of oranges, bananas, grapefruits and lemons.
The success of this Exhibition was the work of Mr. Firmin Lambeau, Mr. Bottemane, architect, and Mr. Baudewijn, secretary general of the Federation of Belgian Horticultural Societies.
2° On June 2nd the XLVth International Dog Show of all breeds, organised by the Royal Society of Saint-Hubert, presented to the public the most beautiful and varied specimens.
varied specimens.
3° On August 21st, the IVth International Exhibition of cats of all breeds brought together a splendid collection of Siamese, Persians, Angoras and other rare species.
4° From August 21st to 30th there was an Exhibition of Goldsmiths, Sculptors, Bookbinders, Embroiderers, Lacemakers, Engravers, Bimbeloterie, Needlework, organised by the International Women's Professional Group.
5° On 7 September, the International Dahlia Exhibition brought together the most remarkable examples of this autumn flower; due to the national mourning, the inauguration took place without pomp and ceremony. The most beautiful groups were surrounded by crepe and this pious homage brought thoughts back to the august departed.
6° From 15 September to 11 October, the Milk Exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture under the direction of Mrs Delaive and Mr Cools, and inaugurated by Mr De Schrijver, was an excellent propaganda event. The public was invited to taste various milk preparations.
7° On 16 September, the dairy goat and sheep competition brought together about 200 first-class animals.
8° On 16 September, the 3rd National Competition of Breeding Animals of the pig breeds was attended by 350 carefully selected animals.
9° From 18 to 21 October, the Official International Poultry Show took place, organised by the Provincial Federation of the Brabant Poultry Society, with the participation of the main societies and special clubs in the country and abroad, and under the patronage of the National Federation of Poultry Societies. It coincided with the 7th National Competition of Belgian Breed Rabbits. It included the following sections: 1) Large breed poultry; 2) Dwarf poultry; 3) Other Gallinaceous, Aquatic, Small Birds, etc.; 4) Wire pigeons; 5) Pet and product pigeons; 6) Rabbits.
In each of these categories, the public could admire remarkable specimens of animals. The French, English and Dutch participation was not inferior to the Belgian representation.
The Temporary Exhibition Hall was preceded by a garden planted with fruit trees and decorative beds. Works by the sculptors Sturbelle (Le Bélier), Dufossez, Guyàux, De Bremaeker and Salles (ornamental figures) stood out in the greenery.
© Le Livre d'Or de l'Exposition Universelle de Bruxelles 1935