A Brussels restaurateur is furious after being ordered to throw out his collection of Tintin memorabilia by heirs of the comic book creator trying to protect its image.
"I have almost 200 pieces found in shops, street auctions or that were given to me as presents," said Bob Delvigne, owner of Faubourg Saint-Antoine, a small brasserie in Brussels.
Located in the quiet Schaerbeek district, the brasseries' windows and walls since 1991 have been covered in pictures and objects depicting Tintin and his faithful foul-mouthed companion, Captain Haddock.
Delvinge was "flabbergasted" on receiving the letter to remove the "fake" objects, amounting to 80 per cent of the items decorating his restaurant.
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The order came from Moulinsart SA, the company that manages copyright for the heirs of Tintin author, Herge.
Moulinsart is headed by Briton Nick Rodwell, second husband of Herge's widow Fanny Vlamynck.
Rodwell has angered Belgian lovers of the cartoon hero as well as other Tintinophiles for restricting the use of Tintin's image in order to refocus the brand in line with his belief that "Tintin is the Rolls Royce of comic books".
