Our Heritage
A family legacy of fine art trading spanning four generations, rooted in the heart of The Netherlands.
Grandfather Gerrit (1883–1958)
The Foundation
Capel & Capel begins its story in 1902. Based in the centre of The Netherlands, the first piece of Chinese porcelain was acquired by our grandfather Gerrit. He was a general dealer in ceramics, furniture and old Dutch paintings. He mainly bought in Amsterdam from where the goods were shipped by boat to his warehouse.
Though his inventory was varied, his passion for quality was singular. Living mainly in Amsterdam, he positioned himself at the nexus of trade, where goods from the East arrived by boat to his warehouse. It was here that the family's appreciation for the exotic and the historical first took root.
Expansion & Expertise
His son Jurriën learned the trade from an early age, officially continuing the business in 1931. While maintaining the general dealership, Jurriën developed a specific interest in ceramics and paintings.
Together with his wife Hennie, who managed the shop, he became very successful. Jurriën bought his first car in the 1940s, allowing him to travel extensively to find the best antiques. The combination of Jurriën's eye for acquisition and aunt Hennie's business acumen ensured the gallery grew in reputation and scope.
Jurriën (1914–1984)
A Legacy Continued
Passing the torch to the third and fourth generations.
Henk's Era
Henk continued the business in 1967. He became passionate about ceramics and developed an instinct for the unusual and rare pieces. Henk is well-informed with both the European and the overseas markets. Today, Henk uses his vast knowledge to advise our clients and to support his son Eugène.
Eugène & The Future
Eugène became familiar with the antique trade at a very early age. He graduated in Art History at the university of Utrecht in 1992 and specialized in Dutch Old Master Paintings. Eugène took over the family business and is now the leading man in the company Capel & Capel Fine Arts.
Henk & Eugène
“Our business is based on quality and good taste.”