.webp)
“Hardware is the long lasting element of comfort, safety and beauty that reveals the quality and character of a house and its owner.”
Peter van Cronenburg
About van Cronenburg
Our History
Headquartered in the medieval city of Ghent, the foundry - one of the oldest in Europe - is closely related to its rich History: creative, innovative, daring and open to the World.
Our Values
The van Cronenburg spirit is a philosophy of Life, expressed by the core values of Excellence, Aesthetics, Craftsmanship, Cooperation & Team Spirit, Customer Intimacy, Innovation and Humor.
Our Team
With combined backgrounds in Fine Woodworking, Consulting and Art History, co-principals Peter van Cronenburg and Regine Yvergneaux lead a multi-talented, international team to deliver products of superb quality and the highest standards for professional advice.
Our Logo
Our logo taps into the symbolism of the Magician card in the Tarot, the card of creative power, skill, dedication and persistence in order to achieve mastery.
"We believe in authenticity and are committed to the details that make the difference. We allow our hardware to express itself and blend with the unique character of each project."
Régine Yvergneaux
Peter van Cronenburg
When Peter van Cronenburg began his career as a cabinet maker in 1983, the art of handmade hardware and its age-old traditions had fallen into obscurity. Mass-produced, low-cost alternatives dominated the market, and the demand for craftsmanship was in decline.
As a cabinet maker, Peter struggled to source hardware that complemented the character of his creations. The available options felt uninspired, lacking authenticity. Their patinas looked artificial, the textures flat and soulless.
Frustrated, Peter decided to create a collection of his own, partnering with a small, traditional foundry in Ghent, Belgium. This collaboration deepened his passion for high-quality, handcrafted hardware. When the opportunity came to take over the foundry, Peter and Regine took a leap of faith. Together, they dedicated themselves to breathe new life into the foundry’s history and legacy, committed to preserve its traditions while reimagining its future.
Regine Yvergneaux
As a teenager, Regine Yvergneaux was fascinated by ancient cultures – especially Egypt – and spent countless hours studying and translating hieroglyphs. At sixteen, she met renowned Egyptologist Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt, who left a lasting impression on her, along with a handwritten note in her workbook encouraging her to continue her studies.
Although Regine eventually chose a different path and earned a degree in economics, her love for art and history never faded. She left her role as a management consultant to become an antiques dealer, where fate would bring her to meet Peter.
Bound by a shared passion for art, architecture, literature, and craftsmanship, their story inevitably led them to Ghent, and the start of a remarkable adventure.
The Medieval City of Ghent
Our original foundry was located in the medieval heart of Ghent, Belgium, where it
had stood for nearly two centuries. In 2018, growth and expansion led us to rebuild and relocate, but our roots remain firmly planted in the city we love.
New York City
Our U.S. flagship showroom and office are located in the heart of the Flatiron District, a neighborhood known for its creative energy and vibrant design community. From the fifteenth floor of the historic St. James Building on Broadway, our hardware looks out over Madison Square Park. Inside, over 2,000 square feet of space invites you to explore our collection and discover the right pieces for any project.
Bay Area
During the upheaval of the pandemic, we temporarily relocated our Bay Area showroom to Berkeley. Shortly after our move, Shattuck Way was renamed Kala Bagai Way, honoring the South Asian American immigrant and community activist. Just steps from the UC Berkeley campus, our hardware feels at ease amidst the enduring spirit of creativity and freedom.