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Relief of Socialist Struggle (Reliëf socialistische strijd)

Arie van der Lee

About this artwork.

On the eastern facade of Taco Mesdag Square there is a gate with a sculpted border. The gate dates from 1888 and for a long time was the entrance to the cooperative bakery De Toekomst. This ‘COOP’ bakery’ was part of a cooperative that owned a large number of shops in the city. For an annual membership fee, members were able to buy items such as fuel, bread and clothing, and it was also possible to participate in a fund for hospital care. In this way, the organisation strove to improve the well-being of the working class.
 
The relief around the entrance gate symbolises the socialist struggle as it developed in the second half of the 19th century in the wake of industrialisation. The vertical sides depict a farm labourer with a shovel and an industrial worker with a sledgehammer. The curved figures represent the glory of labour. Above the gate opening is a horizontal frieze showing nude human figures. The two figures flanking the gate return in the far left and right of the frieze. The only woman in the relief is carrying a child in her arms. The figure with a flapping banner is at the forefront of the socialist struggle. All seem to be heading for the place where the sun rises: a symbol of the new era to come. Over the sun, two male figures reach out to each other. 
 
For years the figures on the frieze and the two figures on either side of the gate welcomed all who visited De Toekomst. That lasted until 1973 when trucks were purchased that didn't fit through the gate. When taking the measurement, the inward-leaning heads of the agricultural and industrial workers were not taken into account. A brutal beheading followed to the dismay of the neighbourhood. 
In 1975 De Toekomst went bankrupt, and the building was demolished in 1986. The gate was preserved and the badly damaged border was restored.

Part of route.

Location.

Taco Mesdagplein 7

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Facts & Figures.