Listen | Gable stones
Typical of Monnickendam are the gable stones you find on many houses - artistic stones on the corner or at the front of a house with carved images.
The gablestone usually depicts the profession of the occupant of the property. Such is the case at number 52 Kerkstraat. Pieter Winkes, who lived here in the 18th century, had two professions: first he was a sailor and then an inspector of ropeways. The gablestone depicts a ship, referring to his first craft as a sailor and the name of the ropeway.
The gable stones are closely linked to the history of Monnickendam. When ...
The plaque on the façade usually depicts the occupation of the building’s occupant. This is also the case at Kerkstraat number 52. Pieter Winkes, who lived here in the 18th century, had two occupations: first he was a sailor and later an inspector of the rope-making workshops. The plaque depicts a ship, referring to his first trade as a seafarer, and the name of the rope walk.
The façade plaques are closely linked to the history of Monnickendam. When Monnickendam’s prosperity declined, the production of façade plaques ceased. But when the town flourished once more at the end of the last century, thanks to the rise in recreational boating, new façade plaques began to reappear in the townscape. This was because a sculptor had come to live in the town again, creating these traditional works of art. And he continues to do so to this day. One example is the plaque on the house opposite, at Kerkstraat 54. This is where the sculptor himself lives. He created the plaque on his home in the year 2000. It features a golden hand with letters – these are the initials of his loved ones.
