Ahoy there mateys! Ever heard of a windmill that makes paint? That’s De Kat for you.
De Kat isn’t just any windmill. It’s the last remaining pigment windmill in all of Europe. Imagine that. This octagonal wonder has been grinding away since 1646. Adriaen Gerritsz van Someren got the government’s okay to “use the wind” that year. He initially used it for oil. But after a fire in 1782 it was rebuilt to grind pigments.
For centuries De Kat churned out the vibrant colors that graced masterpieces. Think Rembrandt. Think Vermeer. Their breathtaking hues? They might owe a debt to this very mill. De Kat’s pigments were used to create lapis lazuli the king of blues. This stunning blue pigment came from faraway places like Chile and Afghanistan. It was incredibly valuable almost worth its weight in gold.
Today you can still see the grinding stones in action. Chalk minerals like lapis lazuli and malachite become brilliant blues and greens. Even humble roof tiles are transformed into a pigment called “tile red”. The millers are highly skilled. They have to be. They must understand the weather the mill’s workings and the sails. It takes years of study. They even sew the sails themselves. A new set can take a whole year.
Climbing De Kat’s steep ladders is an adventure. You’ll reach a deck with stunning views of the Zaanse Schans. The Zaan River winds below. Traditional wooden houses and other windmills dot the landscape. It is a truly quintessential Dutch scene.
De Kat isn’t just a relic of the past. It’s a working mill. Pigments are still being made here using traditional methods. The millers meticulously clean the entire room between each pigment to avoid contamination. They produce oil paints watercolors even egg tempera. The pigments are sold here and around the world. Many museums including the Rembrandt House and even the Vatican Museum use these special pigments.
So step inside De Kat. Experience the history the craftsmanship the breathtaking views. This isn’t just a visit. It’s a journey through time. A journey to the heart of Dutch art history.