Stepping into the past
Westfries Archief, Hoorn (NL), 2022
In 1572, during the Eighty Years’ War, the seven towns of West Friesland became involved in the fighting between the rebels and the supporters of the Spanish. Now, 450 years after the birth of the Netherlands, residents of West Friesland can literally step into the past.
Illustration by Merel Corduwener
Illustration by Megan de Vos
Historic scenes
With archive staff, we went in search of historical documents that could tell us more about what exactly happened in these towns between 1572 and 1574. Then we asked three illustrators to create contemporary interpretations of the source material. The result was a series of colourful panels that invite visitors to step into the past. You can shake hands with William of Orange, flee the siege of Radboud Castle, and watch as the Geuzen plunder the villages of Koggenland.
Illustration by Merel Corduwener
In-depth information
Visitors interested in learning more can find more information on the back of each panel. They can read about the events depicted in the context of national developments in 1572. In this way, residents can discover the part their towns played in the birth of the Dutch Republic.
Illustration by Megan de Vos
Illustration by Aart-Jan Venema
“It is our challenge to extract information from the past about what people experienced in 1572. That is beautifully displayed on large panels with a contemporary look and feel.”
Peter Swart, Project Manager Westfries Archief, Noordhollands Dagblad — 18 August 2022
Illustration by Aart-Jan Venema
Credits
Client
Westfries ArchiefContent Design
Studio LouterGraphic Production
Watjeziet
Illustrators
Aart-Jan Venema
Megan de Vos
Merel Corduwener