Amsterdamse Bos – Dienst der Publieke Werken, 1960

“Het Amsterdamse Bos”, colour offset print published by the Dienst der Publieke Werken (Amsterdam department of public works) in 1960. Size approx. 61 × 40 cm.

In 1928 the Amsterdam city council decided to build the Amsterdamse Bos, with the aim of expanding the recreational facilities of the capital. The architects were the urban planners Cornelis van Eesteren and Jakoba Mulder. The biologists Jac. P. Thijsse and A.J. van Laren also played a major role in the design of the forest.

When work was ready to begin in 1934, the Great Depression had struck the Netherlands. Many people were unemployed and were forced to work in order to receive welfare. The construction of the Amsterdamse Bos provided “work” for many, and was therefore designated as a public works project. The Nederlandse Heidemaatschappij (Dutch Association for Wasteland Redevelopment) was responsible for carrying out the plan. Convicts also performed forced labour there.

Not only labourers, but also office workers were put to work, about 1,000 men per day. In total, some 20,000 people participated in the construction of the park between 1934 and 1940. The creation of the Amsterdamse Bos was completed in 1964.

As of 1960, “There is ample space in the woods for all sorts of games. A shallow lake and playground for small children have been constructed to the south-west of the large public playing field, and there are other children’s playgrounds near the old Koenensluis and in the ‘Meerzicht’ Tea Gardens. In addition, there are free playing fields for young children, especially laid out with smaller dimensions, goalposts etc. Free games can be played on several large fields, and in some parts, sunbathing is permitted.”

Price: SOLD