Schagen

For this project, a collaboration was formed with local lunchroom Peper & Goud to create a hand-painted ABC of the Dutch provincial town of Schagen, presented as a set of 26 postcards.

Each letter highlights a unique, iconic, or historical feature of the town, paired with an alphabet word, an illustration on the front, and an informative text on the back.

Backside info: Ten days before Easter, the Easter cattle market is held in Schagen, where the best cattle from all over the country are judged in the square around the church.

Backside info: The Muziektuin, once the orchard of the Vreeburg farm (1677), was turned into a city park with an open-air theater. After a decline, it was revived in 2008 through renovation and the Muziektuin Schagen Foundation, becoming a lively spot for Sunday concerts and an annual art market.

Backside info: In the Middle Ages, dikes were built in West Friesland, later forming the West Frisian Circular Dike, the oldest dike in the Netherlands. This 126-kilometer monument connects historic cities like Schagen, Alkmaar, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, and Medemblik, protecting North Holland from rising waters for centuries.

Backside info: Great Church on the Market, built in 1895 - 1897.

Backside info: Since 1953, Schagen has hosted ten Thursdays celebrating West Frisian Folklore and life in 1910. The highlight is a parade with authentic carriages and locals in traditional costumes, followed by a dance at the Great Church on the Market Square.

Backside info: Lake De Wiel was formed during a major flood in 1248. On the lake's shore stands swimming pool De Wiel. A community initiative in 2006 led to the creation of this popular city beach.

Sales

Lunchroom Peper & Goud, located in the heart of Schagen, serves as the sales point for the “Schager ABC”-postcards.

The cards have become popular among residents, who take pride in their city and enjoy collecting the series, often stopping by to check for new releases. Tourists also appreciate the opportunity to bring a piece of Schagen home.

The postcards are available in A6 format for €3.25 and A5 format for €5.95. Promotions have been shared via Peper & Goud’s Instagram account.

Your city ABC

Looking for a unique way to showcase the identity of your city or region? A hand-painted ABC, presented as a collection of 26 postcards, offers a creative solution. The collection can also be complemented with a coffee table book in a large or small format.

  1. Research
    We begin by exploring the unique identity of your location. How has it evolved? Which key events have shaped its character? What places, stories, and notable figures make it special? This research uncovers the essence of your area, laying the foundation for the project.

  2. Selection
    Based on our findings, we propose 26 topics, each represented by a word and illustration corresponding to a letter of the alphabet. The ABC can also be customised around a specific theme, such as architecture, nature, art, or humor.

  3. Production and Launch
    Once the proposal is approved, we start production. The illustrations are painted, texts are written, and the designs are prepared for print. The collection can be expanded with an ABC poster or book for added depth. The launch timeline for the postcard set is flexible and tailored to your needs.

    Celebrate your location's unique character!