27/05/2026
Today we had a site visit from the King’s Commissioner ahead of the official unveiling this Friday (May 29) of the restored monument in Stavenisse. An honour to briefly speak with him about the project and its significance.
This restoration was carried out together with Tobias Snoep of Snoep & Vermeer (Amsterdam). We were responsible for the dismantling, restoration and reinstallation of the monument, while Tobias handled the desalination treatment of the sculpture.
I was only a small part of this project for most of the time, working mainly on yacht interior touch ups, while my brother Tim carried much of the responsibility. We had planned to finish the final 5% together during Christmas 2025. Life unfolded differently, and in the end I had to complete that final part without him.
Bringing this project to completion demanded more from me mentally than I expected. Standing here today feels bittersweet — proud that the restoration is finished, but deeply aware that Tim cannot share this moment himself.
Friday’s unveiling will be for him too.