Anyone who has ever looked at a new construction project in Assen has probably come across him: photographer Bert Visser (74). He has an archive full of photos of new construction projects in the provincial capital.
From preparing a site for construction to completion. But other striking things cannot escape being recorded by Visser.
The retired Visser started recording new construction projects in 2016. At that time, the renovation of the station in Assen started, the Overcingel tunnel was built and the Vaart was extended. But before that, too picture maker busy with his camera.
Visser and his wife Janny take a walk of about four kilometers through the center of Assen every day. “Except when it rains,” Visser laughs. “Then we sometimes skip a round.” His camera is always with him, the photographer continues: “Sometimes you come across a gem. Then Janny has to stop and wait so that I can take a picture.”
Visser not only records construction projects. While touring the city, the couple sometimes encounters other remarkable things. “Like during the second lockdown, when it was so busy in the center. Or, for example, the New Year’s reception of the municipality. I never really know in advance that things like that exist. Still, it’s nice to capture moments like that.”
It also keeps the family informed about what is happening in the city. “A person is curious by nature, I think. When we walk around, we meet more people and we see different things passing by. And in addition, we don’t waste time at home and it keeps us moving.” The proverbial geraniums also pass by. “At least we’re not behind that,” he jokes.
In addition, the hobby photographer gets to places where others do not go so quickly. For example, he regularly accompanied the construction supervisor of the new apartments on Koopmansplein, took photographs from various apartment buildings and recently took a look at the renovation of the Hema in the city. “That’s always fun.”
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