Gevel van de Stadsgehoorzaal te Vlaardingen 1941 - 1945

This photograph shows the facade of the Stadsgehoorzaal in Vlaardingen, though its photographer is now unknown. The building’s construction would have been a complex undertaking, involving bricklaying for the main structure and the pouring of concrete for the distinctive art deco entrance. Notice how the modularity of the bricks creates a regular, almost monotonous pattern, while the concrete entrance offers a smoother, more monumental contrast. The inscription "Stads Zaal Harmonie" is itself a testament to craft, likely achieved through carefully placed molds, and the photograph emphasizes the interplay between different materials and textures. Understanding the significance of this image requires us to consider not just its aesthetic qualities, but also the social context of its creation. The construction of such a building would have involved a great deal of labor, from the quarrying of the raw materials to the skilled craftsmanship of the builders. By appreciating these layers of material, making, and context, we can gain a deeper understanding of this artwork and its cultural significance.