Anton Pieck, perhaps the best known illustrator in the Netherlands was responsible for the artistic creations in the very first Efteling amusement park. The Fairy Ttale forest was executed after the designs and illustrations by Anton Pieck and he stayed partly responsible for all the extensions of the forest and the new attractions until the late Seventies. Pieck his career is one of many disciplines. He foremost was a book illustrator, but later his illustrations were used in greeting and birthday cards. What people do not know is that he was also a gifted graphic artist and painter. Personally i do not think he was the best from his generation. I prefer the simplicity of Rie Cramer with her thick outlines, but i fully understand why Pieck is so popular. His scenes are scenes from a long forgotten world, but a world which is still associated with the country side i the Netherlands. There are still a few places which look like true Pieck villages like Doesburg/ Deventer, but his illustrations stand for a long forgotten world and scenes like in his illustrations are nowhere to be found anymore.
For those seeking the atmosphere and possibly some nice merchandise. Visit the official Anton Pieck Museum in Hattem.
Because of his popularity www.ftn-books.com has always a nice selection of Pieck publications available.
There is more !
