Restoration

[Restoration (noun): "The action of restoring someone or something to a former state or position"]

In 1975, Amsterdam (formerly Amstelredam) celebrated its 700th anniversary. The development of the city has been characterized by periods of rapid growth and demolition. The events of history have left their traces in this city, which is also what makes it so unique. Today, it is still possible to get a sense of this history by walking along its streets and canals and once in while glancing up or visiting one of its 7,000 monuments.

Stately mansions, warehouses and buildings each with its own history, but also with a similarity: they were built with attention to and an eye for detail, in other words, with professionalism.
The inhabitants of Amsterdam love their city and know they are part of its past. A city without history has no future, which is why the city cherishes its past and takes care of its monuments, restoring wherever possible what has been affected by time.


	Carpenter Fred


	He can tell about restoring four hours: "Beautiful canal mansions, the churches, which are the beautiful work. The monuments are the nicest. He enjoys restoring all those beautiful buildings. Working with his hands is very important for him. But even with his many years of skilled expertise still even this master encounters something new every now and then. Like for example in a stately building at the Keizersgracht: I saw a door with hinges that worked both left and right so it could open both ways! That I had never seen."

The many monuments were constructed in various styles, and thus each building is different and requires special attention.The restoration of so much history should be carried out with respect, awe, passion and professionalism. Whether it is an old warehouse that needs to be converted into a fine dwelling, or a mansion to be restored to its original condition, it requires art, control and professional pride.

Therefore, if you’re known as a specialist in the restoration, renovation, adaptation and maintenance of historical buildings, you can be proud of your company, because it takes some doing. It takes a certain attitude, it is an art. It pervades the entire company, from director through carpenter to everyone involved in such a project. Everyone must be professional and have professional pride. That’s why The Cannenburgh has its own wood-processing section, the only way to guarantee the quality of the supplied materials and work.

This is what The Cannenburgh stands for and the reason our clients – banks, accountancy firms, consulates, individuals and monument associations – know they can count on us. Many of the buildings we work on are listed, and we carry out real works of art often under very difficult circumstances. Afterwards, however, it always turns out to have been worth the trouble.


	The love for his craft and for preserving monuments has been this true carpenters motive for over forty years now. Sometimes Fred drives through the center of Amsterdam with his wife and daughter, lively pointing at the monumental buildings he restorated. "That one I did with Theo!" he then says proudly.