Tag Archives: Amsterdam

Meet the Head of Fine and Decorative Arts at the Rijksmuseum

Posted on November 18, 2014 by ASWilliams

During a recent serendipitous encounter I had the good fortune to meet Professor Dr. Gregor J. M. Weber, Head of Fine and Decorative Arts at the Rijksmuseum. Rembrandt: The late works is currently showing at the National Gallery in London and … Continue reading →

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Yes Sir, Yes Sir, Three Bags Full!

Posted on July 14, 2014 by ASWilliams

Have you heard my latest? I’ve adopted a sheep! And not just any old sheep. Oh no, this one’s a rare breed. Ouessant sheep are named after the island, 18 miles off the west coast of Brittany. They are mainly … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday, Vondelpark!

Posted on June 24, 2014 by ASWilliams

This year het Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam’s best known parks, celebrates its 150th birthday. To mark the occasion, school children were asked to create a sculpture that was inspired by the park. The children followed workshops with professional sculptors and … Continue reading →

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Beside the Seaside, Beside the Sea!

Posted on March 16, 2014 by ASWilliams

One of the advantages of living in Amsterdam is that you’re never more than half an hour’s drive or ride from the sea. Zandvoort-aan-Zee is the favoured beach for Amsterdammers, easily reached by train or car. But my favourite seaside … Continue reading →

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‘Oh, Buttons!’

Posted on February 26, 2014 by ASWilliams

Last time it was ribbons, now it’s buttons. Am I turning into a haberdashery connoisseur? Probably not, but I do like a nice button from time to time. I remember having a conversation about buttons with my much-loved mentor, Christine Risley, … Continue reading →

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Eye Eye, Me Hearties

Posted on September 14, 2013 by ASWilliams

A while back, I celebrated my birthday and my husband organised a lovely day out at the EYE Film Institute. We went to the Fellini exhibition, watched the remastered version of ‘ Jour de Fete’ starring the legendary Jacques Tati and had … Continue reading →

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In the Pink* in ‘de Tuinen van West!’

Posted on May 20, 2013 by ASWilliams

On Whitsunday, or Pinksteren (still a Bank Holiday here) my other half and I set off on our bicycles to visit our allotment garden in de Eendracht. On the way we took a detour and explored the newly planted area … Continue reading →

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Gevelstenen (plaques) in Amsterdam

Posted on February 22, 2013 by ASWilliams

Recently, a friend loaned me a book about Amsterdam gevelstenen (stone plaques) by Onno W. Boers. A system of house numbering was introduced in Amsterdam in 1795; all the plaques on the front of buildings before this date acted as … Continue reading →

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The Dutch Riding School in Amsterdam – A Hidden Jewel

Posted on January 18, 2013 by ASWilliams

In the centre of Amsterdam, bordering on the Vondelpark, you will find one of the most beautiful riding schools in Europe. ‘De Hollandsche Manege’ is an elegant 18th century school which is one of Amsterdam’s better kept secrets. If you … Continue reading →

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Jaap Eden skating rink in Amsterdam

Posted on January 10, 2013 by ASWilliams

In December 1961 de Jaap Eden IJsbaan (skating rink) opened its doors to the public. It was the third 400 metre rink in the world. It used an innovative ‘direct’ freezing system which means that ammonia evaporates from underground pipes … Continue reading →

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