Maurice TILLIEUX Rétrospective

From 22 May to 18 July, the Huberty & Breyne’s Bruxelles | Châtelain gallery is showing a heritage – non-commercial – exhibition devoted to the work of Maurice Tillieux, which brings together some hundred original artworks belonging to the artist’s family and taken from private collections. This exceptional exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the world of an author whose unique and groundbreaking oeuvre occupies a central place in the history of Franco-Belgian comics.

Maurice Tillieux, who was born in Huy in 1921 and died in 1978, established himself early on as an exceptional storyteller. He was responsible for both writing and illustrating his own comics and developed a distinctive style, characterised by a keen sense of rhythm, lively dialogue and a remarkable mastery of visual storytelling. His work stands out for its subtle combination of detective story, humour and close observation of everyday life – a recipe that has enabled his stories to withstand the test of time. 

Tillieux was the creator of a couple of iconic series – Félix in the 1940s, followed by the hugely successful Gil Jourdan, flagship series of Spirou magazine. The album Libellule s’évade, from the latter series, remains one of the most emblematic examples of his narrative talent. With César et Ernestine, Tillieux explored a lighter and more humorous register while continuing to write with his characeristic precision and impact.

Structured around his major series, and complemented by a collection of drawings and illustrations, thisexhibition highlights the various aspects of his oeuvre. The artworks on show testify to the richness of the Tillieux vision and the coherence of a body of work that has continued to influence generations of comics writers. 

A catalogue including original text by François Walthéry will be published to accompany the exhibition. Creator of the Natacha series and a close friend of Maurice Tillieux, Walthéry offers a personal and insightful look at Tillieux and his work, shedding valuable light on his artistic legacy.

This exhibition revisits,  in depth, the work of Maurice Tillieux through a collection of original artworks of exceptional quality and provenance and forms part of the Huberty & Breyne gallery’s inititative to promote the 9^thart and its vital heritage.

OPENING
Tursday 21 May 2026 
from 6:00 p.m

GUIDED TOURS
By Charles-Louis Detournay
Saturday 27 June 2026 at 3:00 p.m. 
Saturday 4 July 2026 at 3:00 p.m. 
Free admission subject to availability (30 places).
No reservations.

EXHIBITION
From friday 22 May 2026 
to Saturday 18 July 2026

Bruxelles | Châtelain
33 place du Châtelain, 1050 Bruxelles
Tuesday > Saturday
11.00 am - 7.00 pm