The family crest: van Buul by Antoine van Buul

The quilt as a family crest.

Where does the surname Van Buul come from?
In the past there was a strange figure named Napoleon Bonaparte. He didn't like all the same first names and decided in 1811 that everyone was obliged to think of a surname and have it officially registered.

Coming up with a surname.
Surnames had already been in use in the southern Netherlands for some time, such as: Johan the son of Jan called himself Johan Janszoon (Janssen). Willem who lived on the hill called himself Willem van den Heuvel. “Hey, I live on that hill too. Then I'll just call myself Peter van Buel.” Buel or buul is an old Dutch word for a hill or small curve on the flat land, which is how our family name came about.

The origin of the family crest.
In the past there were people who held tournaments. To be recognized they put their name on the coat of arms. Most people could not read, so the words became colours and drawings, thus creating the family crest.

The origins of our Buul family quilt.
No family crest, but still a recognition mark on the wall. Antoine and Christine design and make the family quilt together. It has become a mini quilt measuring 34 x 34 cm and consists of 16 quilt blocks, which form a geometric figure of a bird. In the head of the bird you can see a member of the large songbird family, the Bulbul.
Size: 34 x 34 cm. Ready April 2022.

Keywords: quilt, patchwork, wall decoration, family crest, bulbul, geometric, Napoleon Bonaparte, van Buul, songbird, bird, family crest, square,

This artwork is offered by Antoine van Buul

I am Antoine van Buul and together with my wife I am working on Quilt & Patchwork.

Retired! Now what?
What could be more fun and enjoyable than turning your hobby into your work. So we have both enjoyed working there for over half a century. Retiring at the end of 2015, the beginning of a new period in our lives. With Christine's handicraft knowledge and skills and my graphic design background we will start our new pursuits: Quilt & Patchwork.

Learn more about Antoine van Buul?

• All artworks by Antoine van Buul