Spike and Suzy 'The Treasure of Beersel'
Willy Vandersteen
The Castle of Beersel as inspiration for a new story
Willy Vandersteen often spent time at the 'Auberge du Chevalier', a cosy tavern right next to the Castle of Beersel. Every year, he would dine there with all the illustrators from the Tintin comic weekly. He made a fine habit of visiting the medieval castle afterwards. During one of these visits, Isidoor Mahu, the castle’s caretaker, gave Vandersteen a personal tour. That’s when the idea for a new story began to take shape. Vandersteen returned to Beersel several times afterwards to make detailed sketches of the castle. As a thank-you for the warm welcome, Isidoor was given a role in the comic book.
Vandersteen took many photos and drew numerous sketches on-site. 'The Treasure of Beersel' is considered one of his finest works in terms of artwork.
The Auberge
Willy Vandersteen incorporated several authentic elements from the 'Auberge' into the comic story.
This tavern, located at the castle's entrance, was built in 1934 by the ‘Ligue des Amis du Château’ or the League of Friends of Beersel Castle. The café-restaurant was leased out to the highest bidder. At the back on the left, there was a small room where entrance tickets to the castle were sold. The current ticket office wasn’t built until 1967.