I have already been in Holland, or –said more correctly- in the Netherlands. It’s a country I like in a very special way, so I’m glad to have this opportunity to visit a delightful little town I missed during my former stay in the flat land of the windmills. It was a joy to accept Marie-Jet’s invitation, I feel very well with her and her family and, besides the daily epicurean pleasures (beer, French fries, coffee, comfort and I let you guess the rest...) I’m dedicating most of my time to absorb the wonderful atmosphere of one of my favourite painters’ home town.

Delft is more than 750 years old. The city owes its name to the word 'delving', digging the oldest canal, the Oude Delft. In 1246, Delft received its city franchise from the Dutch Earl Willem II. Delft flourished and new neighbourhoods were added. As early as 1355 the city reached the size it would remain until the 19th century. The world-famous painter Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) was born in Delft, where he lived almost all his life, and where he painted his unrivalled masterpieces. In the 17th century, Delft inspired Vermeer and many of his famous contemporaries. Delft is also world known because of its ceramics - ceramics have been produced in this city for many centuries. In many Dutch households you will find a bowl or a vase with a hand-painted motif, and these products are also very popular with foreign tourists. Until late in the 16th century ceramics were only available to rich people. After 1550, there was an increase in majolica - ceramics developed in Italy and Spain. After a while, Flemish potters started to make imitations. Because of the Spanish occupation, religious persecution and the fall of Antwerp in 1585, a number of potters fled from Antwerp to Delft and they provided the origins of the Delftware industry. One of features of Delft ceramics is the famous “Delft Blue”, a peculiar nuance of blue, which, together with white, is used to paint on vases, plates and tiles. Well, you can see a tribute I received here on the left. Frimpong Delft Blue is a very unique tile....

Thank you, Marie-Jet, for being such a good hostess and to let me know your town!

Photos by Marie-Jet Eckebus