Sint-Willibrordus

Saint Willibrord, an Anglo-Saxon missionary from the late 7th century, is known as the apostle of the Frisians. Coming from northern England and Ireland, he spread Christianity throughout the Low Countries. The statue was donated by the Flemish Tourist Union to Saint Willibrord parish in Berchem. 

The sculpture stands on the south side of Saint Willibrord’s Church in Berchem and depicts the saint in a traditional pose, dressed in a long robe and with a blessing hand. Made of white terracotta, the statue is characterised by the expressive face of the saint and the combination of one large figure with smaller characters at his feet. These features are typical of sculptor Albers Poels, and can also be seen in his well-known bronze sculpture of Lange Wapper. 

Albert Poels (1903–1984) was a sculptor, medallist and jewellery designer. He studied at the Municipal Academy of Berchem and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. Poels initially worked in his father’s workshop and later developed into a versatile artist.