The History and Origins of De Wieger
De Wieger began as a private residence in Deurne, Netherlands. The site served as the home and workspace for Hendrik Wiegersma, a man who practiced as a physician and pharmacist while also working as a painter. Wiegersma moved into the residence in 1917, establishing a connection between his medical practice and his artistic pursuits within the same walls.
The current building was constructed in 1922. It was designed to accommodate Wiegersma's dual professional life, functioning as a residence, a doctor's practice, and a pharmacy. The house was built amidst the local fields, and the surrounding landscape was shaped by the trees Wiegersma planted himself.
The transition from a private home to a public institution occurred in stages. The municipality purchased the property in 1972. Since 1976, the site has functioned as a museum, preserving the history of Wiegersma and the artistic community that gathered around his residence.
Architecture and the Historic Building
Located at Oude Liesselseweg 29 in Deurne, the building is a Neo-Renaissance residence designed by architect Cor Roffelsen. The structure was built in 1922, drawing architectural inspiration from the house De Romein, which Roffelsen had designed nine years prior. The design reflects the specific needs of its original owner, Hendrik Wiegersma, who required a space that integrated his professional and private life.
The building functioned as a multi-purpose site, housing a private residence alongside a medical practice and a pharmacy. This integration of domestic and professional spaces defines the layout of the house. The surrounding landscape includes a garden and paths that were personally planted by Wiegersma, creating a connection between the built environment and the natural setting of the North Brabant countryside.
The Art Collection and Key Artists
The foundation of the collection rests upon the legacy of Hendrik Wiegersma. The holdings focus primarily on Dutch art produced during the first half of the 20th century. This period is represented by works from several significant figures, including Charley Toorop, Jan Sluijters, and Leo Gestel. Other essential artists within the collection are Theo van Doesburg, Jan Mankes, and Else Berg. While the core remains rooted in these early decades, the institution also incorporates contemporary art into its programming.
The museum's history is closely tied to the social and professional circles of Wiegersma. His connections brought various international and regional artists to the site. The collection includes works by Ossip Zadkine, Valentine Prax, Constant Permeke, and Piet Wiegman. These artists contributed to the cultural atmosphere of the residence during its time as a private home and studio.
- Woman of Caravan, 1920 - Hendrik Chabot
- Still Life with Horse Skull, 1933 - Harry van Kruiningen
- Interior-Home Interior, 1946 - Otto B. de Kat
Masterpieces and Notable Artworks
The collection features several significant works that reflect the personal history and artistic interests of Hendrik Wiegersma. Among these is Annetje, an oil on canvas from 1917. Other notable pieces include the 1925 oil on canvas Berglandschap and the 1926 oil on canvas De motorrijder. The museum also holds Flamencodanseres jaren ’20, an oil on canvas dating from the 1920s, alongside the 1926 oil on panel Man huis boom. These works represent the core of the permanent holdings.
The diversity of media within the collection is evident in works such as Gele bloemen in een vaas, an oil on panel from 1929, and Dame in gele blouse, a tempera on canvas created between 1919 and 1929. Later additions to the collection include Medicus Pictor, an oil on canvas from 1957. These pieces are held within the former residence and studio, providing a direct link to the era in which the building was established.
