P.J.H. Cuypers (1827-1921)

Rarely has a Dutch architect so characterized an era as Pierre Cuypers (1827-1921), not only for such landmark buildings as the Rijksmuseum and the Central Station in Amsterdam, but also for his numerous neo-Gothic Catholic churches, which are now intimately associated with the popular conception of Dutch cities and villages. Cuypers' controversial views on restoration, his plea for a revaluation of Gothic architecture and his influence on H.P. Berlage and Michiel de Klerk make him the most important Dutch architect of his time. Not only did he leave a quantitative mark on the built environment of the Netherlands, he elevated the quality of Dutch architecture generally, and established a precedent for the modern architecture firm. This beautifully designed publication unlocks Cuypers' complete oeuvre for the first time. A selection of essays sheds light on the scope and significance of his work, and hundreds of photos, designs and maps make this book definitive and complete. The son of a church painter, Pierre Cuypers (1827-1921) was born in Roermond, the Netherlands. In 1852, he opened a workshop for the manufacture of ecclesiastical art, but quickly moved into architectural work. As well as creating some of Amsterdam's most beloved buildings, he built over 100 churches and restored countless others.