Summer stamps 1981: The new Dutch landscape

“God created the earth, but the Dutch created the Netherlands” — a striking statement that refers to the Netherlands’ centuries-long struggle against water. By reclaiming land from the sea and lakes, the landscape we know today was created. In 1981, this remarkable achievement was beautifully captured on the summer stamps, with photographs by documentary photographer Ger Dekkers (1929–2020). His work depicts the new Dutch landscape in a strikingly austere and clean style: the horizon neatly in the center, with an equal distribution between sky and land. Ger Dekkers & the power of series photography On the 45-cent summer stamp (NVPH 1216/19), we see a landscape photograph of a dike near Holwerd. Left: a dried-up salt marsh with drainage ditches. Right: the Wadden Sea. At first glance, it appears to be a simple image, but in reality, it is part of a series of seven photographs. Only the fourth photograph appears on the stamp; the rest are shown on the sheet as stylized sketches. Why no photographs? To avoid copyright issues. By shifting the viewpoint—from left to right along the dike—a fascinating interplay of perspectives emerges. This makes the series a visual exploration of the changing landscape. For those familiar with this context, the stamp takes on deeper meaning. Why these stamps are so special • Tight composition: Each photo is carefully constructed: horizon in the middle, vanishing point centered. They are almost mathematical landscape images. • Serial narrative: The stamp is not a 'standalone image', but a fragment from a well-thought-out series. • Visual depth: Without prior knowledge, the stamp might seem simple or boring, but with context, it is a powerful visual study of Dutch land reclamation. Four seals, four phases of land reclamation Each stamp depicts a different stage of how the Netherlands reclaimed land from the water: – 45 + 20 cents – Natural landscape with siltation. At low tide, layers of mud remain on the salt marshes, causing gradual land formation. The dike keeps the water out. Later, land can be reclaimed here. The 4-cent summer stamp of 1950 also portrays dike protection following the violence of war. – 60 + 25 cents – Drainage and ditches Narrow ditches drain away excess water, making the land less waterlogged. – 65 + 30 cents – Agricultural landscape Fertile farmland, often covered with agricultural plastic to allow crops to grow faster. Proofs and points for improvement Proofs were reviewed by experts for the printing of the stamps: General: • Less red in the sky, more color harmony for a more spacious effect. Specifically per stamp: • Less yellow in clouds, less red in the landscape. • Remove red scratches on the horizon; give the dike more relief. • Better structure in the landscape and improved fit. • Less yellow in the plastic in the foreground. Serial edition in duplicate on stamp & poster The four summer stamps above provide a photographic depiction of the growth, development, and use of the new land reclaimed from the sea. Over the years, the landscape develops through sedimentation, protection, and reclamation, eventually becoming suitable for agriculture and livestock farming. The stamps show periods of development, from growth to the flourishing of the new Dutch landscape, in various parts of the country. The detailed description of the 45-cent summer stamp (consisting of a series of seven photographs, the central image of which is featured on the summer stamp) has also been applied to the three remaining summer stamps. 45 cents: ebb and flow with land reclamation near Holwerd and the Wadden Sea. Landscape still in its natural state: tidal change from high to low. Some higher sections of the salt marsh already rise above the seawater. As time passes, more and more of the draining Wadden will become visible. Finally, it will be possible for a supervised mudflat walker to walk on the bottom of the Wadden Sea as a recreational pleasure. * 55 cents: breakwater near Lelystad. Landscape in cultivation: the breakwater near Lelystad is being reinforced with a structure of heavy stones to protect the dike and strengthen it against wave action. * 60 cents: first phase of ploughed polder land with drainage ditch in South Flevoland. Landscape in cultivation: a massive plough mechanically creates the first drainage ditch with the necessary force, allowing groundwater to flow out of the still particularly marshy land. * 65 cents: agricultural businesses, including the use of agricultural plastic in the Noordoostpolder. Landscape in cultivation: the final goal of the years-long reclamation operation has been reached: a bountiful harvest is possible. The series as a whole: from nature to culture Together, the four stamps tell a visual story of transformation. From a natural coastline to a fully-fledged cultural landscape with agriculture. In addition, posters and maximum cards have been produced based on these photographs. The series approach is maintained throughout—not by changing the viewpoint, but by showing photographs across time. Final Thought The 1981 summer stamps form an impressive art-historical document. They combine art, technology, history, and national pride in a square 45-cent format. With Ger Dekkers' lens as our guide, we see not only a landscape but also the story of how that landscape was created. A masterful combination of visual art and stamp design!