Tag Archives: Netherlands

Old Dutch (map) Porn

The 17th century Dutch cartographer Frederik de Wit created the extraordinary Stedenboek or Book of Cities. With only four copies of the book known to exist, the National Library of the Netherlands has digitized and uploaded two excellent versions to … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Europe, History, Libraries, Maps | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Stunning Collection

Boasting a collection of 230 rare and vintage autos, the Louwman Nationaal Automobiel Museum was officially inaugurated this past July in the Hague by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. Designed by Michael Graves, the 185,000 square-foot museum is anchored by … Continue reading

Posted in Europe, Museums | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Anne Frank, A Graphic Biography

Many thanks to Nina Dijkstra for this timely post during Banned Books Week: Following the publication of Anne Frank – the graphic biography in the Netherlands at the beginning of July, publications in other countries will follow this autumn. The … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Europe, Freedom of Speech, History, Museums, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Great Idea, But What About The Fines ?

  Having spent many hours waiting for flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, I was pleased to hear about the recent launch of the brilliant airport library on the Holland Boulevard. Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands officially opened the Airport Library … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Europe, Libraries, Tourism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The End of An Era

Thanks to Nicky Gardner for this story. When Tobias Smollett left England for France in 1763 he was in no particular rush to get anywhere. The famously ill-tempered Smollett made his way to Dover, complaining about the cold and comfortless … Continue reading

Posted in Europe, History, Tourism | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Architecture for Artists

I recently stumbled upon a travel photo of a fantastical building designed by the late, great Austrian artist, designer and environmentalist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and could not resist posting some shots of his astonishing structures.

Posted in Architecture, Art, Europe, Photography, Tourism | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Book Town Bredevoort

Bredevoort Boekenstad started in 1993 as a private initiative to bring the historic centre back to life. Now it has over 30 antiquarian & second-hand bookshops, art galleries and studios. Bredevoort Booktown has been honoured with many national and international awards. … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Europe | Tagged , | 1 Comment