Tanneries de Saventhem 1998

Collection

Web address:: http://www.arch.be/index.php?l=nl&m=praktische-info&r=onze-leeszalen&d=leuven

Scope and content:: This fonds is mainly of importance for this guide due to the presence of two large series of files, arranged alphabetically by name. On the one hand there is the series of supplier files (interpreted very broadly – banks, professional organisations, government institutions are also included), at best covering the years 1954-1968. Secondly we note the series of client files, in Belgium and in other countries. The files cover the years 1950-1967. The fonds also contains many subject files, for example concerning the sale and purchase of raw materials, finished products, etc. during the Second World War, index cards concerning accounts of clients (nos. 3272-3276 and 3320-3350, dated 1925-1965), and others. This rather unique source is highly suitable for reconstructing the history of the leather industry in Belgium.

Administrative/biographical history:: The leatherworking company Tanneries de Saventhem SA was originally founded by François Coppin in 1900, under the name Établissements François Coppin. In 1919 it was decided to transform the business into a limited liability company, based in Fabrieksstraat in Zaventem. After the Second World War especially, Tanneries de Saventhem SA would become one of the major leatherworking companies in Belgium; it was also greatly respected internationally. Its operations included virtually all activities related to the treatment and use of leather. Among its specialties were for example Box Calf, Veau Velours, Croutes pour Semelles and others. The Tanneries de Saventhem SA went bankrupt in 1969 and was dissolved. In 1971 the company was eventually liquidated. (T. Haeck & C. Vancoppenolle, Inventaris van het archief van het leerbewerkingsbedrijf Tanneries de Saventhem S.A., I 170 (Rijksarchief Beveren), Brussel, ARA-AGR, 2008.)

Subject terms:: Financial matters; Financial matters--Banks, banking, and bankers; Trade and commerce; Trade and commerce--Clothing and textile trade; World War II

Finding aids:: T. Haeck & C. Vancoppenolle, Inventaris van het archief van het leerbewerkingsbedrijf Tanneries de Saventhem S.A., I 170 (Rijksarchief te Beveren), Brussel, ARA-AGR, 2008.