J.M. van der Mey (1878-1949)

There are a lot of publications on the well know 'Amsterdamse School' style in architecture (1915-1935). Until recent times hardly annyone knew that Joan Melchior van der Mey (1878-1949) played a key role in the development of 'Dutch Expressionism'.

The film 'Joan van der Mey, pioneer of the Amsterdam School' (in Dutch) starts at 'Het Scheepvaarthuis' situated on the Amsterdam canals. This former office building (1916) is general recognized as one of the finest examples of the inspiring urban planning, architecture and interior design out of the 1910-40 period. Van der Mey was the main architect of Het Scheepvaarthuis (now a hotel). The film is based on the personal and professional archives of the architect mostly found in Geulle, a rural village in the south of The Netherlands. Here Van der Mey build his work shop house ‘De Burght’. Is this house on the green hill the first 'Amsterdamse School' building?

The documantery is a part of the SMC project ‘retour l geulle – amsterdam’. First broadcasted on December 2, 2007 by AVRO Close Up, Nederland 2 (Dutch national TV Network). Production: 'De Filmboulevard' in Almere.