Marie Jeanne Smets: Portrait of a photographer
Libraries behind the lens
After nearly five decades in the library world – always with a camera at hand – our long-standing photographer, Marie Jeanne Smets, is now retiring.
Over the years, she has documented and interpreted some of the most exciting library projects in Europe and beyond, with a keen eye for architectural finesse and the role of library interiors in a changing world.
This portrait tells the story of her journey, her love for libraries – and how, through her photography, she has helped narrate the ongoing evolution of libraries.
Marie Jeanne has photographed more than 500 library projects for our group companies – among them the iconic DOKK1 in Aarhus, Denmark.
From designer to photographer
The road to photography did not begin with a camera, but with graph paper and interior sketches. In 1981, Marie Jeanne Smets co-founded Schulz Benelux, where she worked as an interior designer responsible for projects throughout the Benelux region. The company’s furniture was supplied by Schulz Speyer in Germany, and already then, cross-border collaboration was a natural part of her work.
Although she did not become a professional photographer until many years later, Marie Jeanne had already started taking pictures of libraries back then. At first, it was a natural extension of presenting projects, but it quietly grew into something much larger – a calling. In those early years, photography was an expensive process, and images were primarily used in physical albums shown to clients. It was an analogue approach – but one that nevertheless created a visual identity.
The shift to digital photography in the early 2000s opened entirely new possibilities. In 2011, when she left Schulz Benelux, she decided to pursue a long-nurtured dream: to become a full-time photographer.
Permeke Library, Antwerpen, Belgium
University of Luxembourg, Campus Belval, Luxembourg
The first project Marie Jeanne Smets photographed for Lammhults Biblioteksdesign was Herning Library in Denmark.
The unforgettable moments
In 2013, our marketing team asked permission to use some of Marie Jeanne’s earlier photographs. This became the beginning of a fruitful collaboration. Already the following year, she embarked on her first assignment for our group companies – flying in and out of Denmark on the same day to photograph the newly refurbished Herning Library.
From that moment on, she became an indispensable part of our visual storytelling. Her photographs have been used in catalogues, on websites, across social media and in countless presentations – showcasing libraries from Denmark to Dubai in a professional, aesthetic and inspiring way.
Among the many highlights, Marie Jeanne mentions DOKK1 in Aarhus, Permeke Library in Antwerpen, the library of Angoulême, the university libraries in Caen, Luxembourg and Darmstadt, and the magnificent library in Dubai. Yet many others have also left a lasting impression – from Lapland in the north, through Berlin, London and Paris, down to Marseille – and everywhere in between.
Looking ahead
After thousands of photographs and countless travel hours, Marie Jeanne is closing this chapter of her professional life. Yet her passion for photography remains very much alive.
The future will bring more time for family and friends, for books and museum visits – and perhaps to rediscover some of the cities she once only saw through a camera lens. Now she can look forward to experiencing not just the libraries, but also the cities, cultures and people.
Her career has been both enriching and demanding. She recalls hectic travel days, packed with logistics, meetings and endless movement – yet always infused with a spirit of adventure.
An invaluable contribution to us
Looking back over the past decade – and even further – it is clear that Marie Jeanne Smets’ photographs have been far more than mere documentation. They have been a cornerstone in shaping our company’s visual identity, both internally and externally. With her keen aesthetic sense and deep understanding of the library space, she has helped place our company and solutions in a unique context: inspiring, professional, and relevant. Her work has laid the foundation for our marketing materials, providing us with a strong, consistent and recognisable visual language that has strengthened our brand across borders and industries.
Yet her photographs reach far beyond this. They are accessible online via our seven websites, where they are viewed each year by thousands of visitors seeking inspiration for interior solutions and furniture selections – many of whom ultimately choose to collaborate with our companies and distributors. At the same time, her photographs inspire our employees across the organisation and feature in a wide range of themed articles that reach everyone striving to create the optimal library environment.
In every respect, Marie Jeanne Smets has truly helped many to create tomorrow’s library today – precisely in line with our vision.
Caen University Library, France
Vejen Public Library, Denmark
Lapplands High School, Kiruna, Sweden
We owe Marie Jeanne Smets our deepest gratitude for her exceptional contribution through the years.
Her photographs will continue to live on and inspire – us, our customers, and everyone who believes in the importance of libraries in society.
Photo gallery
With over 500 library projects captured for our group companies, Marie Jeanne Smets has documented outstanding libraries that will continue to inspire – now and in the future.
Here is just a small selection of her many projects.
