Vintage postcard Coolsingel, Rotterdam

Today, Coolsingel is Rotterdam's main street; the designated spot for the marathon finish or football club Feijenoord's celebrations. But for centuries, Coolsingel, then called Coolvest, was the edge of the city: it was the city canal that, together with Goudsesingel, protected Rotterdam from unwanted visitors.

Over a century ago, the Coolvest was filled in and the City Hall was built. This old postcard must be from that time. Also the art deco lanterns point towards the 1920s or 1930s.

But nothing could be further from the truth. This "vintage postcard" is an adaptation of a recent photograph. That art deco lamppost has only been there for a few years and the paving is also new; both elements were part of the redevelopment of Rotterdam's city boulevard.

And those plane trees that create such a beautiful pattern on the pavement were not there a century ago either. In old photographs, Coolsingel is strikingly treeless,

The yellowish hue evokes the image of a box in a damp attic where the postcard has been aging for decades. But remarkably, that colour is also very close to that of the sandstone façade of City Hall. And, since the redevelopment, of the natural stone pavement and of the cycle path. So in the end, past and present come together beautifully.

Created by Frans Blok - photos, art and other wall decoration.

This artwork is offered by Frans Blok - photos, art and other wall decoration

My work can be found in the border regions of photography, painting and computer visuals. With my company 3Develop I do work in commission but I use the same techniques, skills and software to make free work.

World maps and reliefs made from unique materials, vintage postcards, and futuristic space art, graphic interpretations and painterly edits, artist impressions, and abstract geometric art. But also more "traditional" photography of cities and landscapes, plants, and textures.

Originally trained as an architect and living in Rotterdam, I draw significant inspiration from the architecture and history of Roffa/Rotjeknor/Bokitodonk. Additionally, travels to places like Iceland and Great Britain, as well as walks in the Netherlands, provide ample material for my work.

All the pieces in my webshop are carefully selected for their suitability as wall art. The possibilities with the professionals at Werk aan de Muur are nearly endless: from canvas and photo prints to aluminum and acrylic glass. Square or round, framed or unframed. From an A4-sized print to wall-covering wallpaper. The perfect wall art for your living room, kitchen, bedroom, or even balcony and garden!

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