2024-01-06 18:48:00
Almost all businesses are in darkness at the beginning of January. In the darkness, we can see the piles of second-hand books. Galerie Bortier, known for its loyal second-hand book sellers, has a few customers strolling around at the beginning of January. “It’s always quiet during this period. After the holidays, there is a closing period,” explains Fanny Genicot, who took over the family business twelve years ago.
Fanny Genicot, bookseller at the Bortier gallery ©DRIn the Bortier gallery, booksellers worried regarding having to turn the page
On social networks, the announcement of the closure of La Bouquinerie (the business overlooking the street) caused a stir. Some believed in the total closure of the charming gallery to make way for a Horeca project. “No, a business has just closed, but the other bookstores remain open,” insists Fanny Genicot, who does not plan to leave her counter anytime soon, but fears for the “noise” generated with the arrival of Horeca activities.
Because if some businesses are unchanging, many things are indeed regarding to change in the gallery. A food market space like the Wolf should take up residence “by spring”, booksellers have learned. Several commercial units would be affected. According to Bruzz, a fishmonger, a butcher, a beer and wine store, a florist, a café and a record store are expected.
A petition to save the second-hand booksellers at the Bortier gallery, in the heart of Brussels, collects 4,000 signatures in 24 hours
“We are distorting the gallery”
On the other side of the gallery, the space of the publisher Philippe Capart is also “on an ejection seat”. Its lease has not been renewed, and the publisher is already packing up. “We have already found a location near the Ball Court,” he said with sadness in his soul, referring to “sabotage”. “We love this gallery. We want to stay there. With these new projects, we will distort the gallery, we will lose a unique side to Brussels. There’s no overview.”
Philippe Capart, editor who is preparing to leave the Bortier gallery ©DRCureghem: 28 kitchens on rue des Bassins for a new food market inspired by Wolf
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