From March 13 until August 30

Mon Repos

Photography by Arthur and Willy Klep

A married couple, a camera, and an exceptional eye for detail. In Mon Repos, a series of cinematic family photographs offers an intimate glimpse into the life of the entrepreneurial Klep family. Between 1905 and 1915, the couple produced hundreds of glass negatives: capturing the stately Baronielaan, the Mon Repos country estate, and the nearby Mastbos forest. Admire the strength of their photography and, for a moment, feel like part of the family.

Camera & Direction

The couple, Arthur Klep and Willy Klep–van den Biesen, created numerous remarkable images. They carefully considered lighting, styling, composition, and staging. As a result, their photographs are strikingly natural and cinematic. Even children and animals were captured at precisely the right moment.

Today, taking a photo is effortless, but at the beginning of the 20th century things were very different. It took a great deal of time to shoot, develop, and print images. The photographs made by Arthur and Willy were conceived and executed with craftsmanship and great patience.

Photography & Development

Technological advancements and increasing prosperity helped photography become a popular hobby. Around 1890, Kodak introduced the first handheld camera. It became easier to take photographs in and around the home, and the device could be brought along on holidays and outings. A photo laboratory developed the glass negatives and produced the prints.

Wealthy & Happy

At the start of the 20th century, the gap between rich and poor was enormous. The well-off Klep family owned De Etna, one of the most successful iron foundries in the Netherlands. This allowed them to afford cars, bicycles, and also a camera. They travelled long distances and drew inspiration from contemporary artworks such as the impressionist paintings of Claude Monet and Édouard Manet.

Their home on the Baronielaan, the Mon Repos country estate (My Rest), and the nearby Mastbos form the backdrop for lively images. A family portrayed in its own environment, surrounded by friends and relatives. The joy of life radiates from the photographs. Even more than a century later, Arthur and Willy’s cinematic images still move us.