Art from the municipality of Sint-Michielsgestel, which had been collecting dust in the attic for years, went on sale on Saturday. People could watch and buy in the council chamber. And that was a great success because almost everything was sold by noon.
More than two hours after the opening, the stock of art has already shrunk considerably: “We had about a hundred works for sale. The works of art were once purchased for the various town halls, even before the municipal merger,” says Dian Langenhuizen of the municipality of Sint-Michielsgestel: “We especially want to give it back to the community. Art is there to be seen and not to be put in the attic.” She had not expected the crowds: “No, I was really surprised. There was a line to pay.”
Memento of youth
Bibi Silvertand is one of the lucky ones who was able to get something. “I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but I found a very beautiful painting of the tower of Sint-Michielsgestel. I was born and raised here and also worked for the municipality. So I think it is a very nice souvenir of both the work like my youth. I saw the painting and thought, I’ll take that with me.” She could take it with her for 85 euros.
Not everyone will find something they like. Sjef van Veldhoven is active in the local history circle and has just come in with his camera: “I’m just curious to see if there are any paintings by old Gestel, I’m interested in that as a local historian. I really haven’t seen anything hanging yet. I think I want that. So I’ll take a look around and then I’ll go shopping.”
Authentic art
Anja van Druenen has bought a special statue. “A firefighter at a house that is on fire. I want to give that as a gift to our son, who works for the volunteer fire brigade in Berlicum. I think the art here is very beautiful and authentic.”
She also bought a wooden slipper. This is awarded annually by the carnival association in Berlicum for someone who has made a rather stupid mistake. “So the municipality won it once in 2001.” It is not known why the municipality received the wooden slipper at the time.