Above the entrance of a building at the Graven in Deventer is this sign of 2 dark blue hands and a blue cloth. (Once) a launderette maybe? I had no idea..
Back home I googled and learned that the sign pictures the hands and the profession of '
Blauwverver Barthold van Ophuijsen'. This 'bluepainter' named Barthold van Ophuijsen lived here around 1600. His profession was painting people's clothes blue, a deep dark blue until they almost turned black. His customers were mainly people who were in mourning. Being a widower or widow meant wearing dark clothes for a long period, and having your clothes painted dark blue or black obviously costed a lot less than buying new clothes.
I'm linking to
signs, signs.
Very interesting sight to see and a fascinating history.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenUm pormenor delicioso.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenUm abraço e boa semana.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
O prazer dos livros
Prachtig uithangbord.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenEen opmerkelijk uithangbord, heel apart!
BeantwoordenVerwijderen...Marleen, you always find such classy signs.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenInteresting sign, but the history of it is even more fascinating!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhat a fascinating sign and history it reveals! Thanks!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenNow that is some interesting history to go with a unique and most interesting sign. So glad that the sign wasn't destroyed over the years. I'm thinking of painting my golf shirts black as my golf game seems to have died and I probably should quit and go into mourning! :)
BeantwoordenVerwijderenThanks for finding that out! A lovely sign!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenA wonderful and unique sign with an interesting background. Thanks for sharing.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenYou always seem to find the most wonderful signs, Marleen. What a unique story this one has!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhat a great looking sign and thank you for looking up the story that goes with it.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhat an interesting background story. Thanks for taking the time to research.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenWhat an original sign!
BeantwoordenVerwijdereneen wel heel bijzonder ophangbord
BeantwoordenVerwijderenzou ik zelf niet geraden hebben
groeten