Hendrik Nicolaas Werkman, Dutch printer, typographer, and Nazi resister (d. 1945)

Hendrik Nicolaas Werkman, more commonly known by his initials H.N. Werkman (29 April 1882 – 10 April 1945), stands as a compelling figure in Dutch modern art, celebrated for his pioneering spirit as an experimental artist, typographer, and printer. His work transcended traditional boundaries, often blending the visual arts with the craft of printing, particularly through his unique "druksels" – a Dutch term he coined for his distinctive, often abstract prints made with found materials and unconventional techniques.

Born in Leens, Groningen, Werkman's early career involved establishing a commercial printing business in Groningen in 1908. While this provided his livelihood, his true passion lay in artistic exploration. He was a prominent member of the Groningen artists' collective "De Ploeg" (The Plough), which championed expressionism and sought to break new ground in the Dutch art scene. Werkman's fascination with typography, not merely as a tool for communication but as an artistic medium in itself, led him to produce avant-garde publications like The Next Call between 1923 and 1926, which served as a vibrant platform for international avant-garde art and literature.

A Beacon of Resistance During Occupation

The outbreak of World War II and the subsequent Nazi occupation of the Netherlands from May 1940 cast a long, dark shadow over the nation. During this tumultuous period, Werkman refused to let artistic expression and freedom be extinguished. He courageously transformed his commercial printing enterprise into a clandestine operation, establishing a secret printing house that became a vital hub for intellectual and artistic resistance. This hidden press was not merely for political pamphlets; it was dedicated to producing illustrated books and literary works, often with a subtle, yet powerful, anti-Nazi message.

One of his most significant wartime projects was the series known as De Blauwe Schuit (The Blue Barge), a collection of unique, hand-printed books of poetry and prose, often featuring his expressive "druksels." Collaborating with fellow artists and writers like August Henkels, Adri Buning, and Ate Zuithoff, Werkman used limited resources – sometimes even old printing blocks and salvaged paper – to create these remarkably beautiful and poignant works. De Blauwe Schuit became a symbol of cultural defiance, preserving intellectual freedom and artistic integrity in the face of tyranny, distributed discreetly among a trusted network.

The Tragic End

Tragically, H.N. Werkman's commitment to artistic and intellectual freedom ultimately cost him his life. In March 1945, with the war in Europe rapidly drawing to a close, he was arrested by the Gestapo, the brutal secret police of Nazi Germany. The exact circumstances of his arrest remain somewhat debated, but it is believed that his involvement with the clandestine printing activities, possibly through an informant or the discovery of his presses, led to his capture. Along with nine other resistance fighters and suspected individuals, Werkman was executed by firing squad in a forest near Bakkeveen on 10 April 1945, a mere five days before the liberation of Groningen by Canadian forces and just weeks before Germany's unconditional surrender. The senseless destruction of his life, along with a significant portion of his wartime artistic output that was deliberately destroyed by the Gestapo, marks one of the most poignant losses in Dutch art history during World War II.

Frequently Asked Questions About H.N. Werkman

What was H.N. Werkman primarily known for in his art?
H.N. Werkman was known for his innovative approach to printing, elevating it from a commercial craft to an experimental art form. He is particularly famous for his "druksels," unique prints often created by directly pressing objects, stencils, and found materials onto paper, resulting in abstract compositions. He also experimented extensively with typography as a visual element.
What was the significance of his "clandestine printing house" during WWII?
During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands (1940-1945), Werkman's clandestine printing house became a vital center for cultural resistance. It produced illegal books and artworks, most notably the De Blauwe Schuit series, which allowed for the continuation of artistic and intellectual freedom when censorship and propaganda were rampant. It was a silent, yet powerful, act of defiance against the occupying forces.
What was De Blauwe Schuit?
De Blauwe Schuit (The Blue Barge) was a remarkable series of hand-printed books of poetry and prose produced by H.N. Werkman and his collaborators during WWII. Each edition was unique, often featuring Werkman's "druksels" alongside texts from Dutch writers. It was distributed secretly and served as a crucial outlet for artistic expression and a symbol of resistance against Nazi oppression.
When and why was H.N. Werkman arrested and executed?
H.N. Werkman was arrested by the Gestapo in March 1945 due to his involvement in clandestine printing activities. He was executed by firing squad on 10 April 1945, near Bakkeveen, just days before the liberation of his hometown of Groningen and the end of World War II. His death was part of a broader crackdown on resistance members in the final desperate days of the Nazi regime.
What impact did Werkman's work have on art history?
Werkman's unique blend of typography and abstract art profoundly influenced later graphic design and experimental printmaking. He is regarded as an early pioneer of artists' books and a significant figure in modern Dutch art, demonstrating how the printing press could be a tool for radical artistic expression and, in times of crisis, a powerful instrument of resistance.