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Alkmaar Cheese Carriers (Alkmaarse Kaasdragers)

Anno Smith

About this artwork.

The Alkmaar Cheese Carriers, a tableau on the facade of the former cheese warehouse Anema on the Westerkade, is one of Anno Smith's most famous works. It dates back to the years just after the Second World War. In 2003, the work suddenly disappeared. The construction work on the Westerhaven had loosened the tiles from the back wall, causing the owner of the building to have the work removed. In 2008, the tableau was completely restored and returned to its usual location.

In the post-war period, ceramist Anno Smith made many hundreds of porch and facade decorations for the city of Groningen, intended for residential complexes, schools, shops and factories, among other things. It is for good reason that ceramics connoisseurs call Anno Smith a “master of ornamentation”. 

Smith mainly depicted everyday objects and scenes: fish, flowers, playing children and working craftspeople. Due to the uniformity of the post-war architectural style, each portico and building was given its own identity. Recognisability therefore does not happen to be an important feature of Smith's work. His clients also wanted cheerful performances that had to be understandable for the residents.

Part of route.

Location.

Westerkade 16

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Facts & Figures.