Traces of Business

This exhibition features the work of Ton Apon. Apon is a volunteer with the Stichting Geveltekens (Foundation for Facade Signs) of the Haarlem Association. For some time now, he has been photographing and documenting primarily historical traces (advertising) on business premises in Haarlem. He has now captured many such traces and has also unraveled the history of many of them.

Background
Traces of business activity, like facade stones, are important landmarks in the city that deserve to be preserved for cultural-historical reasons. After all, isn't it nice to know that the grandfather of the now world-famous musician André Rieu ran an "electric lemonade factory" on Essenstraat?!
The exhibition "Traces of Business Activity" came about through a chance meeting at the ABC (Academy of Arts and Sciences) and, as has often been the case, has led to collaboration between volunteers from the Haarlem Historical Association and those from the ABC. The exhibition is curated by Yvonne van den Elsen. Ton Apon is responsible for the complete inventory of all Haarlem's "Traces of Business." Photographer Robert van Koolbergen has photographically highlighted approximately 20 of these traces and, together with Hans van der Straaten, has written the accompanying texts. It is hoped that this exhibition will contribute to the protection and preservation of these unique Haarlem traces.

This exhibition is made possible by financial support from the Haarlem Association and the NN Fund.

Opening: 17.8.2025, 4 p.m.