‘Arm Brussel’ and ‘Manneke Pis’

The title refers to two books of Geert van Istendaele. The first ‘Poor Brussels’ (1992) where he describes how in his ‘Bruoscelle’ the water in the form of the once so specific streams, ditches and pools disappeared. He speaks about the construction of the canals and docks the ornamental ponds and the overarched Zenne, who, even in the underground, no longer recognizes his own streambed. The second part refers to his little biography on ‘Manneke Pis’ (2010) a book in which he explores the eventful history of fountains and statues.