Book launch "The Scheepvaarthuis"

After research and new insights, the story about the architectural masterpiece The Scheepvaarthuis - first building of the Amsterdam School is now published.

A masterpiece of identity, expression, and innovation 
In Amsterdam, The Scheepvaarthuis inspired a new architecture: the Amsterdam School. Due to the ambitious request of six shipping companies for an innovative business complex, architect Joan Melchior van der Meij (1878-1949) became responsible in 1911 for the visibility of their positioning, the glorification of the sea, shipping, and trade through the ages to the present. The essence of these companies was carried through to the core of this architectural masterpiece, in both interior and exterior. Het Scheepvaarthuis realizes this glorification of the sea and shipping through expressive dynamics, ornaments, and rich decoration. At Van der Meij's request, the progressive photographer Bernard Eilers (1878-1951) at the time ensured the visual dissemination of this innovative visibility. Photographer Hessel Waalewijn captured the building again 110 years later for this book, Het Scheepvaarthuis - first building of the Amsterdam School by author Louise de Blécourt (2025, WBOOKS). It gives an impression of this richness of decorations and materials. Over time, much of the original information has faded into the background due to the emergence of now outdated legends. The author has pieced the puzzle back together and provides a renewed perspective on The Scheepvaarthuis by sketching the context in which this unique building came into being and received much following through stories and historical visual material. The book discusses the choices made by both the clients who had their offices in this building and the contractor with his working method. The book also shows how the building got a new life - from office to hotel - and how this heritage continues to inspire and will keep inspiring.

The societal discussions behind The Scheepvaarthuis
The turn of the century and the beginning of the twentieth century was a time full of changes. Many topics, which are also relevant today, were discussed and influenced the creation of Het Scheepvaarthuis and its following. By sketching the context of the time, this period can be better understood. Current topics of that time, which are addressed in the book, include clientship versus contractor, the position of aesthetic advisor, copyright, labor market shortages, the many architects without assignments, the housing issue, and the bridge issue. These last two topics indicate that the infrastructure was drastically changing at that time. In principle, most people do not like changes, but they are unavoidable. Ambition, misunderstanding, but also jealousy and envy are timeless. These different aspects are explored with examples from that time to clarify the time and context in which The Scheepvaarthuis was created.

The architect Joan Melchior van der Meij and his team of artists
With his education and work experience at the architectural firm of Eduard Cuypers - where the client question was central - and his research trips for the Prix de Rome - where he developed new ideas about brick construction - Van der Meij was the ideal architect for this assignment. After his first concept design, he assembled a team of artists from various disciplines to further develop and realize it. Under his leadership, Het Scheepvaarthuis would be built in different construction phases, as well as the adjacent bridge 283 in the same style. For many of the involved young artists, it was a flying start to their careers. Think of Michel de Klerk, Piet Kramer, Hendrik van den Eijnde, Hildo Krop, Willem Bogtman, and many others who are featured in the book. Special attention is given to woodcarver Gerard Hoppen who worked through the furniture workshop of art dealer Van Wisselingh & Co. on designs by Theo Nieuwenhuis for various parts of the interior.

From office to five-star hotel: heritage with a new life
The new life that this former office received as a five-star hotel requires a lot of coordination with authorities and is a great responsibility for this special heritage. This certainly also applies to the expansion of the collection. This is especially what makes it unique as a hotel. As the owner Giovanni van Eijl once said: ‘In a museum, you can't touch anything, in this applied artwork you can sleep.’ Everywhere you experience and feel the essence of 750-year-old Amsterdam, a metropolis that finds its origin in the sea and shipping.