Anton Pieck Museum

Anton Pieck is one of the most beloved illustrators and painters in the Netherlands, and his museum in Hattem gathers a large part of his work in the small town where he lived in his later years. Pieck was born in 1895 and spent a long career producing pictures of an idealised past, filled with narrow streets, old inns, winter landscapes, windmills, fairy-tale scenes and fantasy. His soft, detailed, nostalgic style made him famous across the country, and many Dutch people grew up surrounded by his images on calendars, postcards, books and posters.

His best-known project is the Efteling, the fairy-tale theme park in North Brabant, where he designed much of the original Fairytale Forest and other parts of the park. Visitors to the park walk through scenes that come straight from his drawings, with crooked houses, glowing windows and story-book characters. The museum in Hattem shows the broader range of his talent, so a visit helps to put the park in context and shows that fairy-tale imagery was only one part of his output.

The collection includes drawings, watercolours, etchings and prints, together with illustrations for books, designs for stamps and sets for the stage. Pieck was a prolific and versatile artist, and the exhibits show his skill in different media, with a clear emphasis on craftsmanship and fine line. Travel sketches record the places he visited, and the pictures of old Dutch towns and villages give an affectionate view of a country that was changing fast around him. Many of the works have a warm, golden light, and the details reward close looking.

The museum also offers activities for visitors who want to try drawing for themselves, which helps younger visitors engage with the work. Temporary exhibitions sometimes present other illustrators, so the programme changes over time, and the museum shop sells books, prints and gifts.

Hattem is a good setting for the museum. The old town on the IJssel river has narrow streets, remains of town walls and a windmill, De Fortuin, and the Dutch Bakery Museum is nearby. Cafes and small shops add to the pleasure of a walk, and the IJssel dykes offer cycling and views. Zwolle is a short trip away.

The museum suits families, art lovers and anyone nostalgic for old Holland. A visit takes about an hour. Check the opening times and ticket prices before going, since they can change with the season.