Untitled (2 elements)

About this artwork.

Two large abstract sculptures enliven the facade of the Department of Environmental/Economic Affairs, formerly known as the Municipal Works Department. The sculptures form the vertical accents in a predominantly horizontally articulated facade. One of them is located near the porter's lodge. The larger of the two statues divides an elongated window in two. On the side of the building (Ubbo Emmiusstraat), Valk made three figurative decorations in the same type of stone. The stylised facade stones – the head of a policeman and a keychain and handcuffs – refer to the police station that was established here together with the Municipal Works Department.   

S.J. Bouma is the architect of the building, which dates back to around 1928 and was built in the Amsterdam School style. At the time he was an architectural draftsman for the Municipal Works Department and a pioneer of the above-mentioned architectural style, which is characterised by the use of sculpture in the interior and exterior of a building. Until 1930, Willem Valk was awarded all decoration assignments for buildings designed by the Municipal Works Department. At that time he was the most artistic and skilled sculptor in Groningen.
 
In 1921 Willem Valk came to Groningen, where he would teach sculpture at the Minerva Art Academy for 43 years. In addition to his teaching remit, he created numerous portraits, nudes and sculptures for buildings in Groningen. The latter earned him the unofficial title of city sculptor.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Willem Valk

• District
  Centrum

• Year of creation
  1928

• Art type
  Art in / on a building, Wall sculpture

• Material
  Syenite

• Dimensions
  h 2,00/2,50 m