The dining room is dedicated to the graphic works of Richard N. Roland Holst (1868-1938).

Biography

Roland Holst was an admirer and friend of Jan Toorop and one of the first to recognize the importance of Vincent van Gogh. He was a towering figure in the Dutch artistic landscape and was involved in numerous leading positions in that field culminating in his appointment first as teacher and then as chief director of the Academy for the Visual Arts (Academie voor Beeldende Kunsten) in Amsterdam from 1918 to 1934.

Craftmanship

In graphic design he promoted craftmanship in the monumental style. Posters should be drawn on the lithographic stone by the artist himself and not by an employee of a printing firm. From his position as teacher at the academy he influenced a whole generation of Dutch designers.

Hand-printed posters

As his posters were to be pasted outside, soon to be pasted over with others, the paper used was not of the best quality. Bad paper made for a bad impression of the poster. To preserve his intentions as an artist Roland Holst hand-printed a small number on better quality paper. Those posters could be obtained in the trade, although most he gave away to friends as he was financially independent.

Calve

Roland Holst has designed a certificate for the Dutch Public Limited Company Fransch Hollandsche Oliefabrieken Calvé, which was awarded for many years of faithful service.