Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Type Cast?


The town of Haarlem, located just 50km from Wassenaar (or 20km from Amsterdam) is one of our favorite stops. It has a rich history and is usually very lively, especially on Saturdays.

Looking over the town square (grote markt) in shadow of the Grote Kerk (St Bavo's church, dating from 1370) is a statue of Laurens Koster.

Legend has it that Koster actually invented the type impression that Gutenberg would later use in his printing press. (Note to Gutenberg fans: I am neither a Haarlemmer nor a historian, hence the reference to "legend"). That's a piece of type that he's holding up in his right hand.

3 comments:

Dave said...

Interesting. I found your photo facinating too. - Dave

Dina said...

Fantastic spire. And what a profound idea for a statue.
Thanks for the history and the pictures.

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

Cool statue and church, love the architecture and weathering!

Interesting about the oysters and antiques, too! :-D