On October 24th, the publication Een vereniging van tuinkunstenaars – Grondleggers van de tuin en landschapsarchitectuur in Nederland (A Society of Garden Artists – Founders of Garden and Landscape Architecture in the Netherlands), was presented. The book describes the rich and fascinating history of the establishment of the Association of Dutch Garden Architects (BNT), the predecessor of the current NVTL. The book portrays those present at the very first members’ meeting in 1923 and showcases a large number of striking projects from the profession’s pre-war period. Contemporary photography illustrates how the designs from that time have evolved into the mature parks, gardens, and public gardens that shape today’s cityscape and landscape.

The starting point is the group photo taken of the fifteen attendees at the very first members’ meeting in Utrecht. Who were these founders of Dutch garden and landscape architecture? What were their motivations, and what projects did they create? Both well-known and lesser-known landscape architects are portrayed. The old guard is present, including Hugo Poortman, chairman, Leonard Springer, vice-chairman, and Pieter Westbroek, board member. Dirk Tersteeg, staff member, is the most important representative of the new architectural movement in the field. And Hendrik Hartogh Heys van Zouteveen, secretary, is a crucial player in the development. As a lecturer in Wageningen, he also connects with the younger generation, such as Samuel Voorhoeve, Jan Bijhouwer, and Jo Bouwens. Bouwens is one of three women among the attendees; the others are board member Jacoba Hingst, principal of the Huis te Lande girls’ school, and Tine Cool, landscape architect and passionate writer.

It’s a diverse group, this group united under the banner of garden artist. All felt the need to professionalise the profession—with education as a key vehicle—and all shared the desire to collectively distinguish themselves from architects and landscape architects affiliated with nurseries.

An association of garden artists takes us back in time with captivating biographies, colorful plan descriptions, and historical and contemporary photography. A unique publication that brings the inspiring founders and their works of yesteryear to life.

Erik de Jong, emeritus professor of Culture, Landscape and Nature, describes in a comprehensive introduction to “Garden and Landscape Architecture as a Free Art” how and in what context this development took place, and which struggles and qualities also played a role in later periods.

A selection of authors have written the biographies and project descriptions. Jeroen Bosch photographed the projects of the past in their current state: parks and public gardens in The Hague, Amsterdam, Bussum, Tilburg, Roosendaal and Utrecht, and gardens and estates in Goor, Diepenheim, Rhenen, Oosterbeek and Middachten.

Stijn van de Ven, chairman of Young NVTL, wrote a foreword, and Ben Kuipers, former chairman of NVTL, wrote an epilogue. The association, which received the designation “Royal” two years ago on its centennial, has become a thriving association with over 600 members who play a significant role in the contemporary spatial planning of our country.

The book contains biographies of chairman Hugo Poortman, vice-chairman Leonard A. Springer, secretary Hendrik F. Hartogh Heys of Zouteveen, and board members Jacoba Hingst and Pieter Westbroek. Other members, prospective members, and staff featured in the book include Tine Cool, Jan Willem Sluiter, Jo Bouwens, Anthony Herman Haarsma of Oucoop, Jan Jacob Denier van der Gon, Samuel Voorhoeve, Jan T.P. Bijhouwer, Adriaan J. van Laren, Gustaaf Adolf Overdijkink, and Dirk Tersteeg.

Texts were written by Rob Aben, Gerrie Andela, Henk van Blerck, Eric Blok, Jeroen Bosch, Anneke Coops, Patricia Debie, Sandra den Dulk, Anja Guinée, Erik A. de Jong, Ben Kuipers, Karin Laarakker, Liesbeth Missel, Carla Oldenburger, and Stijn van de Ven.

The majority of the photographs were taken by Jeroen Bosch.

Editing, design, and publishing were handled by Blauwdruk Publishers.