The Scheepvaarthuis (the ‘Shipping House’), on Prins Hendrikkade in Amsterdam, diagonally opposite the central railway station, is one of the city’s iconic buildings. There were several phases of construction, starting in 1913. The architect Joan Melchior van der Meij (1878–1949) was commissioned to design the building, in part thanks to his research into brickwork construction during his Prix de Rome travels (1907–1910). He gave it an entirely unique style and appearance, with the sea and shipping as unifying themes. He put together a team for the decoration and interior design of this huge office building, which the clients were keen to move into as soon as possible. It gave a flying start to the careers of many young architects and artists — names such as Michel de Klerk, Piet Kramer, Hendrik van den Eijnde, Hildo Krop and Willem Bogtman are featured here. The Scheepvaarthuis was the first building to be classed as the work of the ‘Amsterdam School’.

In addition to a plethora of details in the building itself, there are also numerous collection pieces to admire. The photographs in this book give an impression of this treasure-trove of ornamentation and materials. Along with anecdotes and historical images, they paint a picture of the context within which this unique building was created and why its style was often emulated. The book discusses the choices of the six shipping companies who built the Scheepvaarthuis to be their prestigious headquarters, and relates how it got a fresh lease of life as a hotel. This special place is still inspirational today and will continue to remain so.