Gemeentearchief Zaanstad came to Pictura with a precious gem of a book to have it digitized. It was the book ‘Als…’ (‘What If…’) by R.J. Ouwejan from Zaandam, with stories about his youth in the Zaan district and his own beautiful illustrations. The book has been digitized for the Gemeentearchief, but will also be published by Pictura in a very limited number.

The drawer, calligrapher and art collector Remmet Jacob Ouwejan from Zaandam has spent years making beautiful drawings of the Zaan district. A large selection from these drawings has already been published in the by now priceless bundle “Zaens Skoon”. Now the book he worked on during the last years of his life, titled ‘Als…’, is duplicated posthumously. It was never his intention to have this book published, but by digitizing it we do not have to fear its being damaged by the ravages of time.

Gemeentearchief Zaanstad made it possible for Pictura to digitally archive the beautiful drawings so the original could be stored safely. Pictura has scanned the drawings with the greatest care and will also be printing them for the book, of which only 5 copies will be made.

The digitization process shows how carefully Pictura handles the material it is entrusted with. It turned out that the book could not be fully opened. To make sure it would not be damaged, a special set-up was created. The book was held half open (under an angle of 90 degrees) and digitized under special lighting. An extra high resolution was selected so even the tiniest details – and there were many! – would be visible in full splendor.

Would you like to know more?
Do you have any pieces you would like to have digitized so they can be stored safely and do you want to know what we can do for you then please contact our account manager digitization, Jeroen Bloothoofd.