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Artisanal book project De vogels van Heerkens brings a vibrant piece of Northern Dutch history to life
De vogels van Heerkens
On Thursday, May 23, Mayor Sybrand Buma will present the first copy of De vogels van Heerkens to biologist Auke-Florian Hiemstra.
This book is a tribute to 18th-century poet Gerard Nicolaas Heerkens from Groningen – scorned in his homeland, but a welcome guest in the circles surrounding French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire.
Originally written in Latin, Heerkens’ bird poems are translated here for the first time into Dutch, Gronings, and Frisian. Translators Niels Bakker, Goffe Jensma, and Klaas Pieterman each captured the essence of Heerkens’ Latin text in their own way, with the character of each local language adding a new dimension to the work.
The book was entirely produced in Leeuwarden using traditional artisanal techniques.
This project brings Heerkens’ poetic world to life. His Birds from Frisia (Aves Frisicae) describes ten bird species native to the northern Dutch coastal region – focusing on their appearance, behavior, and habitat. These species are characteristic of the Friesland and Groningen landscapes of his time.
The design also plays a major role in the book’s character: we created a hand-bound edition with a marbled cover and pages made of handmade paper.
Illustrator Siebrand Doornkamp created new illustrations especially for this edition, inspired by the style of Buffon – the renowned 18th-century naturalist and ornithologist, who met Heerkens in person. The prints were produced on an antique cylinder press and hand-colored.
The public edition of this handmade book will be available starting May 23 from Utjouwerij DeRyp and selected bookstores.
The original illustrations are printed and hand-colored in a limited edition. They are available for purchase via Frisian Colorists & Restorers.