7 april 2015

Peerd van Ome Loeks

This white concrete sculpture in front of the Groningen Central Station is called 't Peerd van Ome Loeks, local dialect for Het paard van oom Lucas, or Uncle Lucas' Horse in English. It is regarded as one of Groningens symbols, that got its name from a local folk song with the same title. The sculpture was created by Jan de Baat in 1959.

Strangely enough it isn't really clear who 'uncle Lucas' was, and/or who invented the song. Most likely it was named after Lukas (Loeks) van Hemmen, who owned a pub as well as his own stables. After his famous racing horse Appelon died and the horse butcher came to collect the dead animal, some boys apparently sang the words: 't Peerd van Ome Loeks is dood' ('Uncle Lucas' horse is dead')

12 opmerkingen:

  1. It's great to see public art. Tom The Backroads Traveller

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  2. A strange story for a curious sculpture!

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  3. Brought back nice summer memories...seeing the station building again.
    When I was little I stayed with friends of my parents in Paterswolde.

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  4. See a pure white sculpture is a rare sight indeed.

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  5. Reminds me of a sculpture of a horse's head near me that is all white, which gives me an idea. . . ;-)

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  6. A very striking piece of art. If your horse dies I guess you might as well sing a song about it.

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  7. Interesting story behind this sculpture!

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  8. Een beroemd paard inderdaad. Ik vraag me af hoe ze dat beeld zo wit houden. Of is de lucht in Groningen zo schoon?

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  9. An interesting sculpture, Marleen, white and clean !
    I visited this place many years ago, but I don't remember if this sculpture was already there or not...

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Don't be shy and leave a comment. I'd love to read what you think!