The gazebo sits in a spot that offers a bit of shade while allowing one to admire the ever-changing scene that is Wester-Amstel’s kitchen garden. And while it is most certainly a mainstay at Wester-Amstel – and a charming one at that – it was clear that it needed a bit of TLC.
But it needed the kind of TLC that would align with the other restoration work we've been undertaking at Wester-Amstel over the years. We weren’t planning on tearing the gazebo down and putting up an ultra-modern structure in its place. Oh no, certainly not! We wanted to preserve that early 1900s atmosphere – a nod to the Movig-Lissone family’s long-standing connection with Wester-Amstel.
That’s why, in 2022, we announced that the concrete floor – poured during the gazebo’s 1985 renovation – was due for repair. The idea was to replace the drab concrete with beautiful, weatherproof 'Belle Époque' tiles to match the charm of the setting. It took some time to plan everything and raise the money needed, but thanks to many generous donors, this has now been achieved!
So with enough money in our pockets, it was time to choose a tile design. And, let’s just say, this turned out to be the most divisive part of the process. After much deliberation – and a thoroughly democratic round of voting – the tiles that would eventually grace the floors of Wester-Amstel’s gazebo were chosen.
In the end, we opted for “Belle Époque” tiles reminiscent of those popular in the late 19th to early 20th century. The repetitive floral patterns, particularly the stylised flowers in soft blue tones with vine-like, curving lines, are hallmarks of Art Nouveau design. The chosen colours – muted pastel blues, creams, and greys – create a calm, elegant look, typical of garden décor from the Belle Époque period. We’re not entirely sure if this is what voters had in mind when making their choice, but nonetheless, we think they did a fantastic job choosing.
In early May, a small team of specialists arrived at Wester-Amstel. The gazebo was moved first. Then the floor was renovated, after which the tiles were laid in a carefully designed pattern.
The somewhat disoriented gazebo returned a week later. Since then, seated here, you can enjoy both the beautiful gardens and the floral mosaic at your feet.
Two fun tidbits about this project:
1) In the upper right-hand corner, Ludvig Emil Movig, son of Cornelia Movig-Lissone, added his signature to the foundation of the gazebo in 1986. And of course, we made sure to preserve it.
Underneath each tile is the name of a person who donated to the project. Without donors like you, projects such as this simply wouldn’t be possible.
By: Taylor Blades