About the Atlas der Neederlanden

What is the Atlas der Neederlanden?

The Atlas der Neederlanden – 'Atlas of the Netherlands', abbreviated here as 'AdN' –  is an Atlas factice, also called 'composite atlas': a collection of maps of what we now call the Netherlands (including sometimes Belgium, and a number of colonies and other overseas interests). The maps – military, political, nautical charts, city maps, etc – were made between 1650 and 1815. They were bound by their collector in nine volumes, each with a printed title page. Who that collector was, we do not yet know. But at some point in the 19^th century the volumes found their way to the University of Amsterdam, and are now part of the Special Collections of its University Library.

What makes the Atlas der Neederlanden so special?
AdN is special for a number of reasons:

- AdN gives an almost complete image of the Dutch landscape from 1650 – 1815. The collection consists of 617 maps. All important topographic maps of the current territory of the Netherlands from about 1650 to 1815 are represented.

- Some maps in AdN, both printed and hand-drawn maps, are unique: no other copy is in existence. 

- AdN is a rare example of an intact early-nineteenth century map collection. There aren't many atlas factices left. In the 18^th and 19^th century it was much more common to collect and store different, separate maps into bound books (as we now still do with magazines from past years). But in the 20^th century most of these books were dismantled, the maps flattened and stored (often sold) separately. Folded maps in bound volumes may not be the optimum way of storing maps, but they stay together as a collection. AdN is one of the few collections that kept its shape and form, which makes it a historical phenomenon in its own right.

Why restore the Atlas der Neederlanden now?
While not in a particular bad shape, AdN could really do with some good cleaning and careful restoration – especially the ninth volume – to survive the next century or two. Moreover, digitization of the maps of AdN will make them accessible, while the original is from the wear and tear that comes with use.

Early 2010, Jan Werner, Curator Maps & Atlases of the Special Collection Department, set in motion a process to restore and digitize AdN. Upon completion of the project in 2013, an important object of study will be restored to its former glory, its conservation warranted for years to come, the content digitized, meta-dated (with keywords assigned) for accessibility and available for both scientists and the general public.

Before the original and restored Atlas der Neederlanden will disappear in the vaults of the University Library, however, it will star one more time in 2013 at an exhibition about the Dutch Landscape (1813-2013), on the occasion of the 200^th anniversary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

In a special blog you can read more about this project of restoration and other matters concerning this project. (or click here)