Michel de Klerk, inspirer of the Amsterdam School

About Michel de Klerk

One hundred years ago, on November 24, 1923, Michel de Klerk died of pneumonia on his 39th birthday. He was one of the greatest architects the world has known - in his day, he was already called the Rembrandt among architects. Books, magazines, and articles about him were published at home and abroad, focusing mainly on his social spirit and his imaginative public housing.

With the Amsterdam bohemian and artistic milieu in which De Klerk moved in the early twentieth century, he shared a penchant for innovation. He wanted to turn buildings into works of art. De Klerk was, therefore, the trailblazer and inspiration for the Amsterdam School. Without him, the movement known for its expressive style full of symbolism would not have existed. De Klerk wanted to give beauty to the working class: "Nothing is beautiful enough for the labourer who has had to live without beauty for so long." His workers' palaces, Het Schip and De Dageraad, are still world-famous for this progressive approach and timeless beauty.

A multifaceted artist

Less well-known is the fact that De Klerk was also a talented furniture maker, designer, and draftsman, among other things. The exhibition Michel de Klerk, inspirer of the Amsterdam School, celebrates that versatility. In addition to his architecture, his furniture, stage sets, drawings, and paintings occupy an essential place. Visitors will discover who Michel de Klerk was. As an idealistic architect and artist, but also as a person, friend, and colleague. The exhibition gives a glimpse into his life, the journeys he made, and the people he surrounded himself with.

The exhibition features models of his buildings, pieces from Het Schip's own collection, and other museums and private individuals. Notable new acquisitions include a secretaire, cover designs, watercolours, and a painting by De Klerk. Films, photographs, and correspondence provide insight into his daily life and the ideas he shared with friends and colleagues.

Eleven themes

The exhibition is structured into eleven themes: from De Klerk's early years in Amsterdam's Jewish neighbourhood, through his education, family, free artistry, employers, sources of inspiration, plans and constructions, friends and colleagues, among others, to his national and international fame. And the rich exhibition extends further. It features collection pieces by architects with whom De Klerk worked and who were inspired by him. Also on display for the first few months is work by granddaughter Nanna de Klerk, who has followed in her world-famous grandfather's footsteps as an artist.