Name
We are a Belgian firm, with a French name and Flemish roots.
PLUS EST EN VOUS was the motto of the influencial noble van Gruuthuuse family, based in Bruges (Flanders). Litterally the motto means: THERE IS MORE IN YOU.
Lodewijk van Gruuthuuse/Loys of Gruuthuse (ca. 1422 - 1492) was the most famous member of this family. He was very learned, and very versatile: during his long life he was one of the most influencial courtiers of the court of the dukes of Burgundy, a top diplomate, a skillful military, trusted councillor, stadtholder, and lover and collector of art. He was the trusted councillor of several dukes of Burgundy: Philip the Good, Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy. In 1461 he was made a Knight of the Golden Fleece.
Loys was the owner of a very large library of illuminated manuscripts, one of the largest of his times; he also was a lover of the art of printing. The so-called Gruuthuse manuscript, which carries his name, is world famous: it is a fine collection of many unique Medieval Dutch texts, including the 'Kerelslied' and the 'Egidiuslied'. Without any doubt this manuscript is a masterpiece of the Dutch history of art.
In Bruges, Lodewijk commissioned to build a magnicificent renaissance palace, that has been well preserved. Until today his motto PLUS EST EN VOUS, which can be seen above the entrance of the palace, inspires every attentive passenger.