Werkman Bridge (Werkmanbrug)

About this artwork.

The Werkman Bridge is a monument to the Groningen printer and artist Hendrik Nicolaas Werkman who was murdered by accomplices of the Sicherheitsdienst on 10 April 1945, shortly before the liberation.

The piece of art is shaped like a suspension bridge and consists of 16 stainless steel sheets with figures punched into them. These figures refer to the templates that Werkman frequently worked with. The row of punched plates that form a bridge is inspired by the rows of newspapers that come one after the other from the printing presses. This makes the sculpture a tribute to Werkman as both artist and printer.

Hans Rikken made Werkman Bridge for the Gallery Art Show in 1995, the year that was proclaimed ‘Hendrik Nicolaas Werkman year’ by the municipality of Groningen. Initially, the bridge was not weatherproof, but when the municipality purchased the piece to install it in the Soendavijver near the Bedumerweg, Rikken replaced the ropes with stainless steel cables that were resistant to water, frost and wind.

Facts & Figures.

• Design
  Hans Rikken

• District
  Korrewegwijk & De Hoogte

• Year of creation
  1996

• Art type
  Monument, Freestanding sculpture

• Material
  Stainless steel cables, Galvanized steel

• Dimensions
  h 11,00 x b 12,00 m